India achieves second-fastest T20I chase of 150+ target as Abhishek Sharma blazes trail behind Yuvraj Singh’s legendary pace
India delivered a masterclass in aggressive batting as they chased down New Zealand’s 154-run target in just 10 overs during the third T20I in Guwahati, securing an unassailable 3-0 series lead. The match witnessed spectacular batting performances and historic milestones that have redefined T20I cricket standards.
Abhishek Sharma’s Record-Breaking Performance
Second-Fastest T20I Fifty for India
Abhishek Sharma reached his half-century in just 14 balls making it India’s second-fastest T20I fifty ever. Only the legendary Yuvraj Singh’s iconic 12-ball fifty against England in the 2007 World T20 stands ahead of this remarkable achievement.
Key Statistics:
- Abhishek’s 14-ball fifty is also the quickest by any batsman against New Zealand
- Final score: 68 not out off just 20 balls
- Zero dot balls faced during his entire innings – a T20I record for the highest individual score
Powerplay Specialist
Abhishek Sharma has now scored three fifties within the powerplay in T20Is, with all three coming in 2025:
- Against England in Mumbai
- Against Sri Lanka in Dubai
- Against New Zealand in Guwahati
He joins Eswatini’s Adil Butt as the only batsmen in men’s T20Is with three powerplay fifties.
India’s Historic Chase Records
Fastest Successful Chase
India successfully chased 154 in just 10 overs marking:
- Second-highest target achieved within ten overs in T20I history
- Fourth-biggest win by balls remaining for India (60 balls to spare)
- Biggest home victory by balls remaining in Indian T20I history
- New Zealand’s heaviest defeat by balls remaining
Powerplay Domination
India’s powerplay performance set multiple records:
- 94 for 2 – India’s second-highest powerplay total in T20Is
- Team reached 50 in just 3.1 overs – their fastest ever
- Every over in the chase went for 10+ runs – unprecedented in T20I history for innings longer than five overs
Abhishek and Suryakumar’s Elite Company
Both Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav now have nine fifties each scored in 25 balls or fewer in T20Is – no other batsman has more than seven such explosive innings in this format.
Abhishek joins an elite group with three fifties in 20 balls or fewer, alongside:
- Yuvraj Singh
- David Warner
- Colin Munro
- Phil Salt
India’s Dominant Series Streak
This 3-0 series victory extends India’s remarkable run:
- 11 consecutive T20I series/tournament wins since 2024 – joint-longest streak in men’s T20Is (tied with Pakistan’s 2016-18 record)
- 12 consecutive bilateral series without defeat – joint-longest such streak
- 9 consecutive bilateral series wins – joint-second-longest streak behind Pakistan’s 10
Match Highlights
India vs New Zealand – 3rd T20I, Guwahati
- New Zealand: 153/9 (20 overs)
- India: 155/2 (10 overs)
- Result: India won by 8 wickets with 60 balls remaining
- Player of the Match: Abhishek Sharma (68* off 20 balls)
Expert Analysis
The statistics reveal India’s complete domination in modern T20I cricket. Abhishek Sharma’s fearless approach, combined with the team’s aggressive powerplay strategy, has redefined chasing standards in the format. His ability to score at an unprecedented strike rate while maintaining consistency places him among the most dangerous opening batsmen in world cricket.
