Abhishek Sharma reaches 2000 T20I runs in fewest balls
Abhishek Sharma reached 2000 T20I runs in 1024 balls, the fewest deliveries taken by any batter to the landmark.
Abhishek Sharma became the fastest batter to reach 2000 T20I runs in terms of balls faced during India's 14-run win over West Indies in the third T20I in Indore on Sunday. The left-hander reached the milestone in 1024 deliveries, breaking Suryakumar Yadav's previous record of 1164 balls. Sharma scored 69 from 30 balls with six fours and five sixes.
India posted 223 after losing the toss, with Sharma providing the platform through an aggressive Powerplay knock. Arshdeep Singh then took three wickets as West Indies were restricted to 209 for seven. Naman Dhir claimed two wickets to support the effort.
Sharma also became the sixth Indian to reach 2000 T20I runs. His strike rate of 195.9 remains the best among batters with more than 15 T20I innings. He now leads the ICC men's T20I batting rankings.
CricHubb Take
Sharma's record shows how quickly T20 scoring rates have moved. The previous benchmark stood for years; he has cut it by 140 balls in a single calendar year.