In Brief
- Abhishek blasted 113 runs off just 38 deliveries, hitting 11 sixes and 9 fours during India's chase.
- India successfully chased down New Zealand's target of 199 in 13.2 overs, securing a six-wicket win to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.
- Following the match, former India star Yuvraj Singh teased Abhishek on Instagram, noting he still hasn't matched his record 12-ball T20I fifty.
- The Player of the Match played down the milestone, stating that batters do not chase such records and such feats are "not that easy".
Abhishek Sharma Dominates New Zealand Attack in Wellington
Indian opener Abhishek Sharma produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, during the third T20I against New Zealand at Hnry Stadium.
Chasing a target of 199, India reached the total in just 13.2 overs with six wickets in hand, propelled by Abhishek's maiden T20I century of 113 off 38 balls along with a quickfire 45 off 19 deliveries from 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Abhishek's knock included 11 sixes and 9 boundaries, earning him the Player of the Match honors.
Mentor-Protege Exchange Follows Historic Knock
Following the match, long-time mentor and former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh posted a playful message on Instagram, pointing out that Abhishek fell short of breaking Yuvraj's iconic 12-ball half-century record set against England in 2007.
"You still can't get 50 off 12 can you @abhisheksharma_4! Looks like two left handers batting in their backyard!"
— Yuvraj Singh
In response, Abhishek humbly played down the comparison during post-match interviews, acknowledging the difficulty of Yuvraj's legendary record and focusing instead on team strategy and execution.
"I don't think batters go out aiming for a 12-ball fifty—it's not that easy. My focus was simply on capitalizing on the momentum Vaibhav gave us at the start."
— Abhishek Sharma
