Abhishek Sharma writes T20I history! Indian star sets unmatched record with blazing fifty vs Ireland | Cricket News

Abhishek Sharma (Pic credit: BCCI)

NEW DELHI: Abhishek Sharma continued his love affair with an explosive knock on Friday, rewriting the T20I record books during India’s opening match against Ireland in Belfast, becoming the first batsman from a Full Member nation to score five centuries in 20 balls or less.The left-handed opener reached his final fifty in just 19 deliveries, adding another breathtaking knock to his growing collection of whirlwind innings. No other batsman from a Full Member side has achieved the feat more than three times, putting Abhishek in a league of his own.Some of the biggest names in T20 cricket – including Yuvraj Singh, David Warner, Phil Salt, Colin Munro, Dasun Shanaka and Finn Allen – have each recorded just three quick fifties.Abhishek reached the landmark in the eighth over with a controlled drive towards deep mid-wicket, earning warm applause from the Indian dressing room before acknowledging the appreciation with a thumbs up.His innings also became the third fastest T20I fifty ever scored against Ireland, behind Stephan Myburgh’s 17-ball effort in 2014 and Litton Das’ 18-ball blitz in 2023. Fastest T20I 50 vs Ireland (per balls)

The fireworks end shortly after the stage

The celebrations, however, were short-lived. Three balls after bringing up his fifty, Abhishek fell for exactly 50 from just 20 balls, smashing seven fours and two sixes during another fearless display at the top of the order.Irish pacer Liam McCarthy claimed his T20I wicket when Abhishek mistimed a pull shot, with Matthew Humphreys completing the catch at mid-wicket.Despite the dismissal, the 25-year-old had already inflicted significant damage, giving India another flying start while underlining why he has become one of the most destructive powerplay batsmen in the world.Earlier, India’s pacers had laid the foundation by restricting Ireland to 182 for 9 after opting to field first.Harshit Rana promised with figures of 3 for 24, dismissing Tim Tector, Ross Adair and captain Lorcan Tucker, who scored with 50. Arshdeep Singh chipped in with two wickets, while Shivam Dube and Axar Patel also struck at crucial moments.Although Ireland recovered through Tucker and Gareth Delany, whose 49 threatened to push the hosts past 190, India’s disciplined bowling attack kept them in check.Abhishek ensured that the chase began in spectacular fashion. While his stay lasted only 20 balls, it was enough to produce another record, further cementing his reputation as one of the most explosive opening batsmen in T20 cricket.