02-Feb-2025 10:03 PM
3359
Mumbai, Feb 2 (Reporter) In a breathtaking display of power-hitting, Abhishek Sharma etched his name into cricketing history by scoring a scintillating century off just 37 balls against England in the fifth T20I at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.
This remarkable feat stands as the third-fastest T20 International (T20I) century between full-member nations, trailing only behind David Miller's 35-ball hundred against Bangladesh in 2017 and Rohit Sharma's equally rapid 35-ball ton against Sri Lanka the same year.
Opening the innings, Abhishek unleashed a flurry of aggressive strokes, propelling India to their highest-ever powerplay score of 95 runs for the loss of one wicket. His innings was punctuated by a series of boundaries and towering sixes, leaving the English bowlers scrambling for answers.
The milestone was reached in the seventh over when Abhishek nudged a delivery from Brydon Carse into the off-side for a quick single, bringing up his century in just 37 balls. Removing his helmet, he celebrated the achievement amidst roaring applause from the spectators, acknowledging the significance of his spectacular knock.
His onslaught included a stunning 17-ball half-century, making it the second-fastest T20I fifty by an Indian. Only Yuvraj Singh’s legendary 12-ball fifty against England in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 in Durban remains ahead of him.
This innings further cements Abhishek's rising stature in international cricket. Since making his debut against Zimbabwe in July 2024, where he scored a maiden T20I century in just his second match, Abhishek has consistently showcased his ability to dominate bowling attacks. His recent performances against England, including a blistering 79 off 34 balls in the series opener in Kolkata, have drawn praise from cricketing legends and fans alike.
As India continues its dominance in the T20 format, the emergence of talents like Abhishek provides a glimpse into a promising future. His blend of aggression, technique, and composure at the crease not only augurs well for his personal career but also adds a new dimension to India's batting arsenal...////...