Sunday’s third T20I in Guwahati witnessed history as Abhishek Sharma blazed to a 14-ball fifty against New Zealand—the second-fastest by an Indian in T20Is. The 25-year-old’s innings was a testament to modern T20 batting’s evolution.
Not out on 68 from 20 balls (7×4, 5×6), Sharma built momentum with a 19-ball 53-run partnership alongside Ishan Kishan, then unleashed with Suryakumar Yadav in a 40-ball 102-run stand. His maturity belies his age, positioning him as a key asset for India.
Yuvraj’s 2007 gem against England holds the Indian record at 14 balls. Internationally, Frylinck (13) and Munro (14) shine. Sharma’s niche dominance—nine sub-25 ball fifties—tops charts, ahead of Yadav (8), Salt and Lewis (7 apiece).
New Zealand managed 153/9 batting first, with Phillips (48) and Chapman (32) starring. Bumrah spearheaded with 3/17; Pandya and Bishnoi grabbed two each. India’s reply was surgical: 10 overs to victory, powered by Sharma’s 68*, Yadav’s 26-ball 57*, and Kishan’s 28. This win spotlights a bright horizon for Indian cricket.