Abhishek Sharma breaks Suryakumar Yadav’s record, becomes fastest batsman to reach 2000 T20I runs

India’s Abhishek Sharma (PTI Photo) Abhishek Sharma continued his record run in T20I cricket by becoming the fastest batsman 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 this feat in just 1,024 balls, setting a new benchmark for the fastest batsman to reach 2,000 T20I runs per balls faced. Suryakumar had previously held the record when he reached the milestone in 1,164 deliveries, ahead of Australia’s Aaron Finch who took 1,283 balls.

Abhishek Sharma’s explosive knock sets India on course

Abhishek produced a stunning innings against the West Indies, scoring 69 off just 30 deliveries. His knock featured six fours and five sixes as he attacked 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 the counter-attack, regularly finding boundaries and putting pressure on the West Indies bowling attack.However, his inning ended when Shamar Springer dismissed him on a catch and hit attempt. Abhishek tried a short delivery but mistimed the stroke and sent the top edge straight back to the bowler.His dismissal proved significant for the hosts as the West Indies struck three times in the space of 10 deliveries, conceding just nine runs during that time and shifting the momentum back in their favour.

India face West Indies in the crucial third T20I

India entered the third T20I aiming to regain the lead in the five-match series after West Indies leveled the contest with a successful chase in Ranchi. The visitors won the toss in Indore and elected to bat 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.