In a remarkable display of power-hitting, young Indian opener Abhishek Sharma has etched his name into the record books. The left-handed batter has become the first Indian cricketer to hit 100 sixes in T20 cricket within a single calendar year. He achieved this stunning milestone during his explosive knock in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
A Record-Breaking Innings in Delhi
Abhishek Sharma reached the landmark while playing for Punjab in their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) Elite Group C match against Services at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Asked to bat first, Punjab got off to a flying start, largely thanks to Sharma's blistering 62 runs from just 34 deliveries. His innings was packed with eight boundaries and three massive sixes, the last of which took him to the historic century of maximums for the year. He scored at a phenomenal strike rate of 182.35 during this knock.
A Stellar Year of T20 Dominance
Abhishek Sharma's form in 2024 has been nothing short of extraordinary. His overall T20 numbers for the year are staggering. He has amassed 1,499 runs at an impressive average of 42.82, but the most eye-catching figure is his strike rate of 204.22. This destructive consistency is highlighted by three centuries and nine half-centuries, with a top score of 148. Notably, that career-best score of 148 also came during the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
His performance in the current SMAT season has been a major talking point. In this tournament alone, Sharma has scored 304 runs at an average of 50.66 and a near-unbelievable strike rate closing in on 250. With one century and two fifties, he is currently the second-highest run-scorer in the entire Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Punjab's Commanding Victory
The match against Services was a showcase of Punjab's batting might. After the early wicket, Abhishek Sharma combined with Prabhsimran Singh to put on a match-defining partnership of 106 runs. Prabhsimran contributed a quickfire 50 from 28 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes. The momentum was carried forward by Anmolpreet Singh (34 off 23 balls) and a brutal late assault from Naman Dhir, who smashed 54 runs from a mere 22 deliveries, including two fours and six sixes.
This collective effort propelled Punjab to a formidable total of 233 for 6 in their 20 overs. For Services, the bowling honours were shared by Abhishek Tiwari and Vikas Gaur, who took two wickets each. In reply, Services were restricted, handing Punjab a comprehensive 73-run victory. This win solidifies Punjab's position at the top of the Elite Group C table with four wins and two losses from their six matches.
Abhishek Sharma's record-breaking feat underscores his emergence as one of the most dangerous T20 batters in the Indian domestic circuit. His ability to consistently clear the boundary makes him a formidable asset and a strong contender for higher honours in the near future.
