Abhishek Sharma is scripting and breaking Rohit Sharma’s all-time world record

Abhishek Sharma and Rohit Sharma (Image Agency) Abhishek Sharma produced a stunning display of power hitting to rewrite the record books during India’s third T20I against New Zealand in Wellington on Tuesday, setting a new world record for the most sixes by a full member country in a calendar year.The left-hander hit 85 sixes in 2026, surpassing former India captain Rohit Sharma’s previous record of 80 in 2023.Abhishek’s record performance came during a breathtaking 113-run knock off just 38 balls as India chased down New Zealand’s target of 199 in just 13.2 overs to wrap up the five-match series with an elusive 3-0 lead.The world’s top-rated T20 batter tore apart New Zealand’s attack and raced to his half-century in just 15 balls before completing his century off 35 deliveries. His innings featured 11 sixes and nine boundaries, leaving little chance for the hosts to defend their total.Abhishek started his attack in the opening over as India plundered Jacob Duffy’s 26 runs. Alongside 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who smashed 45 off 18 balls, he led India to a record 118 runs, the highest total by any team in the first six overs of a T20 innings.The opening pair added 133 runs in just seven overs with Sooryavanshi hitting four sixes while Abhishek cleared the ropes eight times during their partnership.Although Sooryavanshi’s explosive start was crucial to start the chase, Abhishek soon took center stage with an extraordinary display of power hitting. He celebrated his century with his trademark meditative pose before being dismissed by Glenn Phillips.India’s emphatic win also extended their impressive record in New Zealand as they completed a third T20I series win on the country’s soil after a 5-0 triumph in 2020 and a 1-0 success in 2022.Earlier, Daryl Mitchell made an unbeaten 89 off 52 balls to help New Zealand to a match winning 198/3. Finn Allen contributed 40 off 25 deliveries while Bevon Jacobs remained unbeaten on 39 off 23 balls.However, the hosts’ total proved insufficient against India’s relentless batting attack, with Abhishek’s record-breaking performance taking center stage in a dominant series win.