Abhishek Sharma makes script history, surpasses Suryakumar Yadav’s record of T20I sixes in a calendar year

Abhishek Sharma created a new record for the number of sixes by batting representing a full-fledged country in T20 internationals in a calendar year during India’s fourth T20I against West Indies in Hyderabad on Wednesday.The Indian opener hit his 69th six in 2026, surpassing former India captain Suryakumar Yadav’s record of 68, which he set in 2022.It took Abhishek 15 balls to clear the boundary for the first time in the match, in the ninth over. Sanju Samson dominated the strike early in the innings while the West Indies bowlers kept Abhishek’s strike below 100 after the powerplay.Abhishek finally got loose against Shamar Springer, stepped down the track and hit the ball over the boundary.It’s been a mixed but productive year for the left-hander. He started 2026 with 84 off 35 balls against New Zealand in Nagpur, hitting eight sixes, before scoring an unbeaten 68 off just 20 balls in Guwahati, including five sixes. However, a run of low scores, including five ducks in his first eight innings, slowed his progress.Earlier in the match, Shai Hope scored an unbeaten century to help West Indies post 247/3 against India. Hope reached his hundred with a six off the last ball of the innings, putting the hosts’ attack under pressure.Hope made 102 not out from 50 balls while Sherfane Rutherford finished unbeaten on 49 from 26 deliveries. The pair added 91 runs for the fourth wicket in just 43 balls to take West Indies to a strong total after being asked to bat.The visitors hit 16 sixes and received 18 overs as the Indian bowlers struggled to maintain consistency. Mayank Yadav and Arshdeep Singh conceded 52 runs each in their four overs, while missed chances in the field also hurt the hosts.Hope’s century was his second of the series, fourth on tour and third in T20 Internationals and continued his strong run of form.