Abhishek Sharma Archives

Abhishek Sharma breaks all-time T20 World Cup record

AHMEDABAD: India’s left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma smashed the fastest half-century in an ICC T20 World Cup final with just 18 balls, guiding his team to a blazing start against New Zealand in the 2026 finale here on Sunday.

Sharma, ranked No.1 in the ICC T20I Batting Rankings, had endured a difficult tournament before the final, leaving him with only 89 runs at an average of 12.71 heading into the summit clash.

However, the 25-year-old staged a stunning turnaround in the final. Launching an aggressive assault from the outset, Sharma reached his half-century in just 18 deliveries, surpassing Heinrich Klaasen’s 23-ball fifty set in South Africa’s unsuccessful run chase in the previous edition’s final.

Fastest half-centuries in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup finals

Abhishek Sharma (India) – 18 balls vs New Zealand, 2026
Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa) – 23 balls vs India, 2024
Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand) – 31 balls vs Australia, 2021

Sharma’s 52-run knock came off 21 balls, featuring six fours and three sixes, before he was caught behind off Rachin Ravindra in the eighth over.

Although he couldn’t convert the rapid fifty into a century, his explosive innings set the tone for India’s mammoth total of 255-5.

Notably, the fastest fifty in any T20 World Cup match remains with Sharma’s mentor, Yuvraj Singh, who smashed a 12-ball half-century against England in 2007.

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Sahibzada closes gap with top-ranked Abhishek in T20I rankings

DUBAI: Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has surged to second place in the latest ICC T20I batters’ rankings following a historic run at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, narrowing the gap on India’s Abhishek Sharma.

Farhan finished the tournament with a staggering 383 runs at an average of 76.60, the most by any batter in a single edition of the T20 World Cup.

In doing so, he also became the only player to score two centuries in one T20 World Cup campaign.

The prolific right-hander climbed one position to second in the rankings with 848 rating points.

Despite enduring a relatively quiet tournament, Abhishek Sharma continues to hold the top spot, while England’s Phil Salt has slipped to third.

While Farhan enjoyed a meteoric rise, several other Pakistani batters witnessed a dip. Saim Ayub and Babar Azam each dropped one place to 35th and 37th, respectively. T20I captain Salman Ali Agha fell three spots to 41st.

However, Fakhar Zaman made a notable jump, climbing 17 places to 71st after his blistering 84-run knock against Sri Lanka in the final Super Eights fixture. He now sits on 481 rating points.

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In the bowlers’ rankings, Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed advanced two places to third with 736 points, edging closer to India’s Varun Chakaravarthy, who occupies the top position. Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan remains second.

Mohammad Nawaz retained his 12th spot, while pacer Salman Mirza dropped three places to 21st. Shaheen Shah Afridi slipped four positions to 35th with 602 points.

Spinner Usman Tariq held firm at 55th, and Sufiyan Muqeem stayed at 60th. Saim Ayub, who features in the bowling rankings as well, fell to 67th.

Leg-spinner Shadab Khan dropped seven places to 72nd, while pacer Haris Rauf slid three spots to 84th. Abbas Afridi currently sits at 98th with 415 points.

In the all-rounders’ category, Saim Ayub slipped one position to third, paving the way for India’s Hardik Pandya to move up to second. Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza continues to lead the standings.

Mohammad Nawaz climbed one place to eighth, while Shadab Khan dropped to 22nd. Faheem Ashraf and Salman Ali Agha both slipped three spots to 55th and 56th, respectively, and Shaheen Afridi fell two places to 65th.

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Abhishek Sharma joins Saim Ayub on unwanted duck list

AHMEDABAD: India opener Abhishek Sharma joined Pakistan all-rounder Saim Ayub on an unwanted list with his third consecutive duck in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Sharma, 25, was clean bowled without scoring against the Netherlands in India’s ongoing clash.

The dismissal mirrored his duck in the Pakistan fixture, where skipper Salman Ali Agha removed him in the first over

With this duck, Abhishek Sharma entered the list of players with the most ducks recorded in a single calendar year. Saim Ayub leads the record with six ducks, achieved in 2025.

Most T20I Ducks in a Single Year

6 – Saim Ayub (Pakistan, 2025)
5 – Chalermwong Chatphaisan (Thailand, 2024)
5 – Kushal Bhurtel (Nepal, 2024)
5 – Dharma Kesuma (Indonesia, 2025)
5 – Parvez Hossain Emon (Bangladesh, 2025)
5 – Abhishek Sharma (India, 2026)

The southpaw also became the third player in T20 World Cup history to record three ducks in his first three innings and only the second Indian batter to record three ducks in a row, matching Washington Sundar’s unwanted record from 2019-2020.

The southpaw also became the third player in T20 World Cup history to register three ducks in his first three innings and only the second Indian batter to do so in consecutive innings.

Three Ducks in First Three T20I WC Innings

Ashish Nehra (IND) in 2009

Roger Mukasa (UGA) in 2024

Abhishek Sharma (IND) in 2026

Nonetheless, India posted a strong 193-run total against the Netherlands, thanks to Shivam Dube’s 66 off 31, including six maximums and four boundaries.

At the time of filing this story, the Netherlands were 57-2 in eight overs with Bas de Leede and Colin Ackermann at the crease.

Note: A statistic in this story has been revised to correct an earlier error.

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Salman Agha wishes Abhishek Sharma well ahead of India-Pakistan clash

COLOMBO: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has voiced admiration for India’s opener Abhishek Sharma ahead of their marquee showdown in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, expressing hope that the left-hander recovers in time to feature in Sunday’s contest.

Speaking on the eve of the high-voltage encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Agha made it clear that Pakistan want to test themselves against India at full strength, underlining Sharma’s growing stature in international cricket.

“Abhishek is obviously a quality player. I hope he’s recovering well and is available because we want to compete against the best team they have,” Agha said during the pre-match press conference.

The Indian opener had missed his side’s previous outing after being hospitalised with a stomach infection, though India still secured a commanding 93-run victory over Namibia.

Sharma has enjoyed notable success against Pakistan, scoring 110 runs in three matches at a striking rate of 189.65, making his availability a key talking point ahead of the clash.

Addressing another subject, Salman Ali Agha dismissed ongoing chatter around the bowling action of spinner Usman Tariq, reiterating that he has already been cleared.

“There has been talk about Usman Tariq’s action, but he has been cleared twice. I don’t know why the discussion continues. It does not affect him at all,” the skipper stated.

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The Pakistan captain also emphasised collective responsibility within the squad, highlighting the importance of flexibility and bench strength.

“We are ready to play good cricket. We understand the conditions and the pitch. All 15 players are important, and anyone can play,” he said, confirming that the final XI will be decided after assessing the surface.

Reflecting on Pakistan’s historical struggles against India in World Cups, Salman Ali Agha admitted the past has not always been favourable but stressed that the team is focused on learning and improving.

“Our record hasn’t been great, but we have learned from history and will try to play well tomorrow,” he noted.

When asked about India’s strong batting lineup and the form of Babar Azam, Agha remained calm and confident, insisting Pakistan are focused on their own execution.

“Babar is scoring runs, and it is not a concern for us. Hopefully, he continues tomorrow as well,” he said with a composed smile.

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Mohammad Amir labels Abhishek Sharma “just a slogger”

Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has delivered a blunt assessment of India’s explosive opener Abhishek Sharma ahead of the much-anticipated clash between the arch-rivals in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday.

Speaking during a local TV show, Amir offered an unfiltered critique of the left-hander’s batting approach, questioning both his technique and consistency at the highest level.

“From what I’ve seen, if I’m being completely honest, he looks like a slogger to me,” Amir said. “He tries to hit every ball. If it connects, it connects, but most of the time the chances of failure are higher.”

The former left-arm pacer pointed to the high-risk nature of Sharma’s game, highlighting fluctuating returns with the bat.

“You must have noticed that he might play eight innings and score in only one of them, while in the others he gets 10, 15, 0, 20,” he said.

“The way he swings the bat, there doesn’t seem to be much technique; it’s more like, ‘Just give me the ball, and I’ll swing.’ Technically, I haven’t found him very sound.”

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Mohammad Amir, however, acknowledged the danger Sharma poses on his day.

“When it comes off, it really comes off, and he can hurt any team,” he said, while noting that the batter still appears vulnerable against quality variations, particularly slower deliveries and subtle swing.

He added that he would consider Sharma a complete batter only when he consistently handles movement and demonstrates stronger technical control.

Despite the criticism, Sharma’s numbers in T20 internationals remain impressive.

The explosive opener has scored 1,297 runs in 39 matches at a remarkable strike rate of 194.95, including two centuries and eight half-centuries.

Against Pakistan, he has accumulated 110 runs in three games at a strike rate close to 190, registering one fifty.

However, his impact in the ongoing tournament has been limited. Sharma was dismissed for a first-ball duck against the USA and missed the Namibia fixture due to illness, leaving his availability for the Pakistan encounter uncertain.

READ: Will Abhishek Sharma be available for India-Pakistan clash?

Will Abhishek Sharma be available for India-Pakistan clash?

COLOMBO: India’s preparations for their marquee showdown against Pakistan have been dealt a potential blow, with explosive opener Abhishek Sharma still uncertain for the high-voltage ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 encounter scheduled on February 15.

The left-handed batter is racing against time to regain full fitness after being hospitalised earlier this week due to a stomach infection.

According to Indian media reports, Sharma has recovered enough to be discharged and rejoin the squad, but lingering weakness continues to concern the team management ahead of the crucial fixture.

Sharma had already missed India’s previous match against Namibia on Thursday, a game the defending champions won comfortably by 93 runs.

Medical staff are closely monitoring his condition, and a final decision on his participation is expected after Friday’s training session in Colombo.

In a recent video update alongside pacer Arshdeep Singh, Sharma revealed the toll the illness has taken on him, sharing that he survived mostly on plain rice and lentils and lost nearly two kilograms during his recovery period.

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India are due to arrive in Colombo from Delhi later tonight as preparations intensify for one of cricket’s most anticipated rivalries against the Pakistan national cricket team.

The clash, part of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, is scheduled for Sunday and carries significant importance for both sides.

The aggressive opener has amassed 1,297 runs in 39 matches at a remarkable strike rate of 194.95, including two centuries and eight half-centuries.

Against Pakistan, he has scored 110 runs in three appearances at a strike rate of 189.65, registering one half-century.

Historically, India have dominated the rivalry in the shortest format. Out of 16 T20 internationals between the two teams, India have won 13, while Pakistan have managed three victories.

In T20 World Cup contests, India lead 6-1, with one match ending without a result.

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Sharma’s 84 powers India to resounding win in T20I opener

Opener Abhishek Sharma struck 84 off 35 balls to set up a convincing 48-run win for India in the first of five T20 internationals against New Zealand on Wednesday.

Abhishek smashed eight sixes to get India off to a flying start before a late unbeaten cameo of 44 by Rinku Singh helped the hosts reach 238-7 after being invited to bat first in Nagpur.

New Zealand could only muster 190-7 in response as regular wickets helped India take a 1-0 lead in the warm-up series ahead of the T20 World Cup starting February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

Glenn Phillips hit a valiant 78 off 40 balls and briefly threatened a fightback in his 79-run partnership with Mark Chapman, who made 39.

But Phillips’ exit in the 14th over off left-arm spinner Axar Patel ended New Zealand’s hopes despite a sloppy fielding display by the hosts.

Spinner Varun Chakravarthy took two key wickets including Tim Robinson, for 21, and Chapman.

Shivam Dube also took two wickets in two balls with his medium pace in the final over.

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Abhishek was in fine flow despite India losing two early wickets — his fellow opener Sanju Samson for 10 and Ishan Kishan, back in the side for the first time since 2023, for eight.

Skipper Suryakumar Yadav put on 99 runs for the third wicket with Abhishek, making a 22-ball 32.

Suryakumar, 35, started slowly but gained some momentum as he attempts to end his recent slump in form ahead of the World Cup.

Suryakumar, formerly the ICC’s top-ranked T20I batter, has failed to score a fifty in his 23 innings in the format dating back to October 2024.

He holed out off the left-arm spin of his opposite number Mitchell Santner.

Abhishek kept up the charge and raced to his seventh T20 fifty for India in 22 balls, but finally fell to Ish Sodhi after he mistimed a hit to long-on.

India lost a couple more quick wickets and the run-scoring dipped before Rinku cracked three sixes and four fours in his 20-ball knock to finish with a flourish.

The second match is on Friday in Raipur.

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Indian star batter named ICC Player of the Month for September 2025

DUBAI: India’s rising star Abhishek Sharma has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for September 2025, owing to his sensational Asia Cup campaign.

The 25-year-old left-hander beat competition from teammate Kuldeep Yadav and Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett to claim the award.

Sharma was the standout performer of the Asia Cup, finishing as the tournament’s top run-scorer with 314 runs in seven T20Is at a staggering strike rate of 200 and an average of 44.85.

His run tally included three fifties, each crafted with remarkable control and aggression at the top of the order.

Among his most memorable performances were a fluent 75-run knock against Pakistan and a 74-run blitz against Bangladesh during the group stage.

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He later produced a match-defining innings in the semi-final against Sri Lanka, guiding India into the final with his signature mix of timing and temperament.

Reacting to the honour, Abhishek Sharma said he was humbled by the recognition and credited his teammates and the coaching staff for creating an environment that brings out the best in every player.

“It feels great to win this ICC award, and I’m happy that it has come for some important matches where I could contribute to the team’s success,” said Sharma.

“I’m proud to be part of a team that fights together and believes till the last ball. Our recent performances reflect our positive mindset and unity. I’m thankful to the team management for their guidance, my teammates for their support, and the ICC panel for this recognition.”

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India coach plays down injury scares for Hardik, Abhishek

DUBAI: India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has brushed aside major injury concerns surrounding Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan, scheduled on Sunday.

Hardik sparked alarm on Friday when he clutched his left hamstring and walked off the field after bowling just one over against Sri Lanka.

The all-rounder struck with his very first delivery, removing Kusal Mendis for a golden duck, but did not return for the remainder of the innings.

“Hardik had cramps. He will be assessed tonight and tomorrow morning, and we’ll then take a call,” Morkel clarified at the post-match press conference.

Abhishek Sharma also caused concern after showing visible discomfort in the ninth over while sprinting, clutching his right thigh. He exited the field in the 10th over and did not return, receiving ice treatment and pickle juice for cramps.

Substitutes Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, and Jitesh Sharma rotated on the field, while Tilak Varma also briefly went off before returning.

With Friday’s clash extending into a Super Over, Morkel emphasised that recovery, not training, will be India’s priority heading into the final.

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“The key for the boys is to rest. They’re already in ice baths, and the recovery started straight after the match. Sleep, rest, and staying off the feet will be crucial,” he said.

“There will be individual pool sessions and massages before the guys get mentally ready for Sunday. It’s a quick turnaround, so playing smart is the key. There will certainly be no training.”

The coach also addressed the pressure on young pacers Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, who went for a combined 100 runs in eight overs against Sri Lanka.

While acknowledging their struggles, Morkel praised Arshdeep for holding his nerve in the Super Over to secure India’s win.

“In our environment, we want to move away from an excuse culture. The effort the boys put in at training, we expect them to deliver,” he added.

“Yes, lack of game time can be a factor, but nothing beats being out there in the middle. Right now, things aren’t happening for them, but they’re all X-factor players and match-winners.”

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Sahibzada Farhan breaks Abhishek Sharma’s six-hitting record

DUBAI: Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan on Sunday broke India’s Abhishek Sharma’s record during the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Sahibzada top-scored for Pakistan with a 58 off 45 balls. He struck three sixes and five fours in his impressive knock.

In doing so, he surpassed Abhishek Sharma’s tally for the most T20 sixes in a calendar year. The right-hander now has 88 sixes to his name — the most by an Asian batter in a single year.

Most T20 Sixes Hit in a Calendar Year by an Asian Batter

88 – Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan) in 2025 (34 inns)*

87 – Abhishek Sharma (India) in 2024 (38 inns)

85 – Suryakumar Yadav (India) in 2022 (41 inns)

82 – Mohammad Waseem (UAE) in 2024 (45 inns)

81 – Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan) in 2024 (52 inns)

Overall, Sahibzada Farhan sits fourth on the global list of six-hitters in 2025.

Most T20 Sixes in 2025

103 sixes – Nicholas Pooran (West Indies) 49 inns

99 sixes – Karanbir Singh (Austria) 28 inns

88 sixes – Dewald Brevis 32 inns

88 sixes – Sahibzada Farhan 34 inns

Despite Sahibzada Farhan’s record-breaking, India cruised to a comprehensive six-wicket victory, courtesy of Abhishek Sharma’s sublime knock.

He added 105 for the opening wicket with Shubman Gill in just 59 balls, leaving Pakistan bowlers deflated.

The left-hander went on to smash 74 off just 39 balls, studded with five towering sixes and six boundaries. For his outstanding knock, the southpaw was named player of the match.

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