India opener Abhishek Sharma showcased his trademark six-hitting ability during the second T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. While chasing a target of 181 runs, the left-handed batter launched a powerful six off Matt Henry to register a significant milestone in T20I cricket.
The moment arrived on the fifth delivery of the third over. Henry bowled a full-length delivery, but Abhishek stepped out of his crease, advanced down the track and lofted the ball over extra cover for a towering six. The shot was India’s first maximum of the innings and highlighted Abhishek’s aggressive approach at the top of the order. Known for attacking bowlers during the powerplay, the Indian opener added another record to his name with the strike.
Abhishek became the first batter to hit 100 sixes during the powerplay in men’s T20Is. Rohit Sharma sits second on the list with 98 maximums, followed by Martin Guptill with 97 and Paul Stirling with 94. Despite the impressive strike, India had a relatively measured start to the run chase. The visitors finished the first six overs at 44/1 after Sanju Samson departed early.
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With Samson back in the pavilion, the responsibility fell on Abhishek to anchor India’s chase while maintaining his attacking intent. The opener had shown promise in the first T20I but failed to turn his start into a substantial innings.
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He scored 29 runs off just 12 deliveries in the opening match, striking two fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 241.67. For the second T20I, Vaibhav Suryavanshi came into the playing XI in place of the injured Ishan Kishan. However, Suryavanshi also fell cheaply, putting additional pressure on the Indian batting lineup.
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Abhishek Sharma could not capitalise on his start either. He was dismissed in the ninth over after scoring 27 off 21 balls, including three fours and a six. Although his record-breaking six underlined his power-hitting credentials, another missed opportunity to produce a substantial score will leave him eager to respond in the third T20I.
