Abhishek Sharma delivered a breathtaking performance for Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, amassing an impressive 148 runs off just 52 balls against Bengal. This explosive innings was marked by a staggering 16 sixes, setting a new record for the most T20 sixes in a calendar year, while propelling Punjab's score past the 300-run mark, a feat accomplished by only one other Indian T20 team previously.
After struggling with low scores in his return to the tournament, Sharma opened the batting for Punjab and quickly found his rhythm. Within a remarkable 12 deliveries, he achieved a fifty, showcasing aggression against Bengal’s experienced bowling line-up. Notably, Sharma hit his former teammate, Mohammed Shami, for 23 runs in a single over, leaving the opposition in shock.
The innings was characterized by an array of explosive shots, as Sharma scored more than half of his runs through boundaries. By the time he reached his fifty, he had struck five sixes and five fours. With relentless determination, Sharma continued his assault, reaching a century in just 32 balls, which included 11 sixes and seven fours. This significant achievement marked his eighth T20 hundred, tying him with Rohit Sharma in career T20 centuries. Only Virat Kohli has more T20 hundreds among Indian players.
Sharma's record-breaking day didn’t just end with the run total. He achieved a monumental career milestone by surpassing his own record for sixes in a year. His 16 sixes in this match brought his total for the year to 91, making him the first Indian cricketer to hit over 90 T20 sixes in a calendar year. His previous record was 87 sixes in 2024. With this performance, Sharma also made history for his team by helping Punjab become only the second Indian T20 side, alongside Baroda, to exceed the 300-run mark in a match.
Ultimately, Abhishek Sharma's explosive innings served as a reminder of his exceptional talent and ability to perform under pressure, and it will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most incredible performances in T20 cricket history. Abhishek concluded the innings with a remarkable score of 148 runs, comprising 16 sixes and 8 fours, leading Punjab to a historic achievement and establishing him as a prominent figure in domestic cricket.