Synopsis
On February 2, Abhishek Sharma made history by scoring the second-fastest fifty for India in T20 internationals, achieving the milestone in just 17 balls during the fifth T20I against England at Wankhede Stadium. His explosive performance helped India reach their highest-ever Powerplay score.Key Takeaways
- Abhishek Sharma scored the second-fastest fifty in T20I history for India.
- The milestone was achieved in just 17 balls during the fifth T20I.
- India set a new record for the highest Powerplay score in T20 internationals.
- Abhishek’s innings included aggressive hitting against top bowlers.
- This performance marks his fourth fifty-plus score in 16 innings.
Mumbai, Feb 2 (NationPress) Abhishek Sharma made history by achieving the second-fastest fifty for India in T20 internationals. The left-handed batsman reached this remarkable milestone in only 17 balls during the fifth and final T20I against England, held at the Wankhede Stadium.
India had already clinched the series with a 3-1 advantage, yet there was no hint of complacency as Abhishek unleashed a relentless attack on the English bowling attack with his fearless stroke play.
Abhishek’s explosive innings evoked memories of Yuvraj Singh’s iconic performance against England in the 2007 T20 World Cup, where he smashed a record fifty off just 12 balls, including six sixes in a single over against Stuart Broad. While Yuvraj’s achievement remains unparalleled, Abhishek’s 17-ball effort now stands as the second-fastest in India’s T20I history.
After being put in to bat first, India lost Sanju Samson early. However, Abhishek wasted no time in launching a full-scale assault. His aggression began in the third over against Jofra Archer, where he struck a four followed by two enormous sixes. Subsequently, he targeted England’s pace attack, particularly Mark Wood and Jamie Overton, showcasing his fearless batting.
The pivotal moment of his innings occurred in the fifth over when he hammered Overton for successive sixes, racing to his half-century in just 17 balls. His audacious batting left the England bowlers in disbelief as he continued to dominate the Powerplay.
Abhishek’s aggressive style not only propelled him to a record fifty but also enabled India to achieve their highest-ever Powerplay score in T20 internationals. At the conclusion of the six-over fielding restrictions, India had amassed an impressive 95/1, leaving England searching for answers.
Tilak Varma, batting alongside, also joined the onslaught, playing freely as the duo inflicted significant pressure on England’s bowlers. The Wankhede pitch, known for its consistent bounce and pace, provided an ideal platform for India’s batsmen to unleash their attacking instincts.
This innings marked Abhishek Sharma’s fourth fifty-plus score in just 16 T20I innings for India. His total has now surpassed 450 runs at an astonishing strike rate exceeding 188.
