Abhishek Sharma Blasts 35-Ball T20I Century Against New Zealand

Wellington, Oct 27: Abhishek Sharma showcased his explosive batting prowess against New Zealand, blasting a sensational century off just 35 balls to power India to a record-shattering start in their T20I series opener. Opening the batting alongside Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in pursuit of a formidable 199-run target, the left-handed pair decimated the Kiwi bowling attack, amassing 118 runs in the first six overs. This innings marked the highest powerplay score by a Full Member nation in men’s T20I cricket history.

After a couple of modest scores earlier in the series, Abhishek made a spectacular return to form. He registered his fourth T20I century and second of the calendar year, demonstrating his unmatched hitting capability. The left-handed batter ultimately departed for a blistering 113 off 38 deliveries, decorated with nine fours and eleven sixes.

Abhishek’s 35-ball century places him in elite company among the fastest centurions in men’s T20I history. He joins South Africa’s David Miller, India’s Rohit Sharma, and Czech Republic’s Sudesh Wickramasekara, all of whom reached the milestone in exactly 35 deliveries.

Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan currently holds the world record for the fastest T20I century, achieving the feat in just 27 balls against Cyprus in June 2024. Turkey’s Muhammad Fahad sits in second place with a 29-ball hundred against Bulgaria in July 2025, while Abhishek’s 30-ball century against Afghanistan in September 2026 ranks third on the all-time list.

Other notable batters on the fastest centuries list include Namibia’s Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza, and New Zealand’s Finn Allen, who each scored 33-ball centuries.

Explosive Start Sets Multiple Records

India’s innings got off to a flying start, with the opening over yielding 26 runs, equaling the record for the most expensive first over in a men’s T20I match. Malta’s Varun Thamotharam had previously conceded 26 runs against Gibraltar in May 2023. Among Full Member nations, West Indies’ Kemar Roach had previously conceded 24 runs against Australia in Sydney in 2010.

Additionally, Abhishek leads the statistics for the most sixes hit off the very first ball faced in men’s T20Is, with eight such instances. Afghanistan’s Shafiqullah Shinwari is next on the list with six, while India’s Suryakumar Yadav has achieved this feat five times.

Fastest Centuries in T20I History

Below is a list of the fastest centuries recorded in men’s T20I cricket:

India Takes Firm Control of the Chase

India rocketed to 178/2 at the halfway mark, leaving just 21 runs to be obtained from the remaining ten overs. Abhishek’s explosive batting, coupled with the record-breaking powerplay, put India firmly in command, underlining his unmatched ability to turn a T20I match on its head within a matter of overs.

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