Abhishek Sharma: Abhishek Sharma set a precedent by scoring a hundred in just 35 balls in the third T20I match against New Zealand (India vs New Zealand). India’s left-handed opener played a devastating innings of 113 runs off 38 balls, virtually destroying the Kiwi bowlers in Wellington. His innings had 9 fours and 11 sixes. Chasing the target of 199 runs in just 13.2 overs, India won the match by six wickets on the strength of Abhishek. Along with that, Team India took a 3-0 lead in the five-match T20 series.

Yuvraj’s punch, Abhishek’s response

His mentor Yuvraj Singh congratulated him after his brilliant debut innings. But in addition to the praise, he also reminded of his own record of 12-ball half-century in a funny way. After Abhishek’s 15-ball fifty, Yuvraj wrote on social media, “Abhishek, you still can’t score 50 off 12 balls! Looks like two left-handers batting behind their own home.” Yuvraj’s comment caused laughter in the cricket circles.

‘I don’t know how Jubi Pa used to play then’

Abhishek was questioned about Yuvraj’s comments after receiving the man of the match award. Laughing, he said, “I have said this before. I don’t know what kind of cricket Yuvi Pa used to play! Now if someone wants to bat like that, it’s not easy. You can’t score 50 runs in 12 balls. It happens sometimes.” Abhishek also said that as batters, they don’t play thinking about personal milestones. Their main goal is to ensure the victory of the team.

Yuvraj is also impressed by Abhishek’s innings

Apart from Abhishek’s funny reply, Yuvraj also praised his batting. The former Indian team all-rounder admitted that it would not have been easy for him to score 30-34 balls. Addressing Abhishek as ‘Sir’, Yuvraj wrote, “I won’t be able to score 100 off 30 or 34 balls. Well done Abhishek sir. Great innings, singles as well.” According to him, the pairing of Abhishek and Vaibhav Suryavanshi was excellent. Yuvraj also praised the Indian bowlers for keeping New Zealand below 200 runs.

Batting by Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Only 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi also caught attention with his debut in this match against New Zealand. He scored 45 off just 19 balls. His innings had four fours and four sixes. Vaibhav added 133 runs in just 7.1 overs in the opening pair with Abhishek. Their aggressive batting put India in control of the match early on. The Kiwi bowlers were in no way able to stop the run-scoring pace before breaking the pair.

India chase 199 runs in 13.2 overs

Chasing the target of 199 runs set by New Zealand, India lost four wickets and won in just 13.2 overs. Abhishek’s innings of 113 and Vaibhav’s innings of 45 were the mainstays of this victory. Abhishek Sharma was selected as the man of the match. The win gave India a 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series and was on the verge of winning the series. Along with the batting, the team’s overall performance also gave India confidence.

Abhishek’s goal is to win the team, not the record

While Yuvraj Singh’s 12-ball half-century record is still intact, Indian cricket is witnessing the rise of a new explosive star in Abhishek Sharma’s batting. A quick fifties or a hundred—however impressive individual feats are, Abhishek’s statement makes it clear that team wins matter most to him. His 35-ball hundred against New Zealand and the rousing opening pair that brought India the big win are the biggest achievements so far.