In a thrilling display of batting prowess, Abhishek Sharma lit up the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, India, during the third T20I match against New Zealand. With a blazing 14-ball fifty, he not only showcased his exceptional skills but also set a new benchmark in the T20I format. This performance, however, didn't surpass the legendary Yuvraj Singh's world record, which still stands as the fastest 50 in T20I history.
Abhishek's aggressive approach from the get-go left New Zealand's bowlers bewildered. He smashed his way to a stunning half-century in just 14 deliveries, a feat that ranked as the joint third-fastest in T20I history and the second-quickest by an Indian. His mentor, Yuvraj Singh, holds the top spot with a 12-ball fifty.
The young batter's performance was a testament to his power-hitting abilities, as he effortlessly hit boundaries and sixes, draining the opposition's morale. This was the ninth time in T20Is that he reached the 50-run mark in 25 or fewer balls, joining a select group of batters led by Suryakumar Yadav, Phil Salt, and Evin Lewis.
India's victory was sealed with an 8-wicket win, thanks to a dominant display by the batting lineup. Abhishek's unbeaten 68 off 20 deliveries, along with Suryakumar Yadav's rapid 57 off 26, turned the chase into a stroll in the park. The pair's explosive stand ensured India's victory inside 10 overs, moving them to an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series.
Prior to this, the Indian bowlers had a clinical show, restricting New Zealand to 153 for 9. Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, and Harshit Rana bowled with discipline, making it a challenging match for the Kiwis. Glenn Phillips top-scored with 48, while Mark Chapman and Mitchell Santner contributed useful runs.
