NEW DELHI: Abhishek Sharma continued his love affair with explosive batting on Friday, rewriting the T20I record books during India’s opener against Ireland in Belfast by becoming the first batsman from a full member nation to score five half-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 the full member side managed 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 — each recorded just three such lightning-quick fifties.Abhishek reached the landmark in the eighth over with a controlled pull towards deep mid-wicket, earning a warm applause from the Indian dressing room before confirming the praise with a thumbs-up.His innings also became the third fastest T20I 50 ever scored against Ireland, behind Stephan Myburgh’s 17-ball effort in 2014 and Litton Das’ 18-ball effort in 2023. Fastest T20I 50s vs Ireland (by balls)
- 17 – Stephan Myburgh (Sylhet 2014)
- 18 – Litton Das (Chattogram 2023)
- 19 – Abhishek Sharma (Belfast 2026)
- 20 – Phil Salt (Malahide 2025)
The fireworks end shortly after the milestone
However, the celebration was short-lived. Three balls after bringing up his fifty, Abhishek fell for exactly 50 off 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 first T20I wicket when Abhishek mishit a move, while Matthew Humphreys completed the catch at deep mid-wicket.Despite the dismissal, the 25-year-old has already done significant damage, giving India another flying start, underlining why he has become one of the world’s most devastating powerplay batsmen.Earlier, the Indian pacers laid the foundations by restricting Ireland to 182 for 9 after opting to bat first.Harshit Rana took figures of 3 for 24, dismissing Tim Tector, Ross Adair and captain Lorcan Tucker, who top 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 then ensured that the chase began in spectacular fashion. Although his stay lasted just 20 balls, it was enough for another record, further cementing his reputation as one of T20 cricket’s most explosive opening batsmen.
