Abhishek Sharma continued his record-breaking run in T20I cricket, becoming the fastest batter to reach 2,000 runs in the format in terms of balls faced during the third T20I against West Indies in Indore on Sunday.Abhishek achieved the feat in just 1,024 balls, setting a new benchmark for the quickest batter to reach 2,000 T20I runs by balls faced. Suryakumar had previously held the record, having reached the milestone in 1,164 deliveries, ahead of Australia’s Aaron Finch, who took 1,283 balls.
Abhishek Sharma’s explosive knock puts India on course
Abhishek produced a blistering innings against the West Indies, scoring 69 off just 30 deliveries. His knock featured six fours and five sixes as he took the attack to the opposition bowlers.The opener’s aggressive approach helped India recover quickly after Sanju Samson departed for just three runs. Abhishek combined with Ishan Kishan to launch a counterattack, finding boundaries regularly and putting pressure on the West Indies bowling attack.However, his innings came to an end when Shamar Springer dismissed him with a caught-and-bowled effort. Abhishek attempted to pull a short delivery but mistimed the shot, sending a top edge straight back towards the bowler.His dismissal proved significant for the hosts, as West Indies struck three times in the space of 10 deliveries, conceding just nine runs during that period and shifting the momentum back in their favour.
India face West Indies in crucial third T20I
India entered the third T20I looking to regain the lead in the five-match series after West Indies levelled the contest with a successful chase in Ranchi. The visitors won the toss in Indore and opted to bowl first.India playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav.West Indies playing XI: Shai Hope (c/wk), Kamil Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Keemo Paul, Roston Chase, Shamar Springer, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie.