Abhishek Sharma achieved a historic milestone by scoring the fastest half-century in T20 Internationals for India, reaching the mark in just 16 balls against Ireland in the first T20I. Despite his explosive innings, India suffered a 4-run defeat in a high-scoring encounter.
Record-breaking knock
Opening the batting, Abhishek hammered 58 runs off 25 balls, including 5 fours and 5 sixes, at a strike rate of 232. His 16-ball fifty surpassed the previous record held by Yuvraj Singh, who had reached the milestone in 17 balls against England in the 2007 T20 World Cup. The young left-hander dominated the Irish bowling attack, particularly in the powerplay, where he scored 40 runs off just 10 balls.
Abhishek's innings set the platform for India's chase of 179, but after his dismissal in the 9th over, the middle order faltered. India needed 18 runs off the final over but managed only 13, falling short by 4 runs.
Match summary
Ireland, batting first, posted 178/6 in 20 overs, courtesy of a brilliant 97 off 52 balls by Paul Stirling, who also hit a record 9 sixes. For India, Arshdeep Singh took 2 wickets, but the bowling lacked discipline. In reply, India finished at 174/6, with Rishabh Pant scoring 41 off 29 and Hardik Pandya adding 24 off 18.
Abhishek's record was the highlight, but the defeat highlighted India's inability to finish close games. The second T20I is scheduled for June 28 at the same venue.
