Abhishek Sharma hailed for 'repeating' Virat Kohli's heroics from 2024 T20 World Cup final: 'God choosing perfect time for comeback'

Abhishek Sharma smashed an 18-ball fifty in the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad, the fastest in a knockout match in tournament's history. This gave India a flying start with Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan later continuing with the same tempo.

Abhishek Sharma slammed the fastest fifty in this T20 World Cup and also the fastest across all T20 WC knockout games. Image: AFP

FirstCricket Staff|Mar 08, 2026, 20:17:33 IST

India got a dream start in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 thanks to a brilliant knock from Abhishek Sharma. The young opener, who had struggled for form earlier in the tournament, delivered when it mattered the most against New Zealand in Ahmedabad.

Opening the innings with Sanju Samson, Abhishek looked aggressive from the very beginning. India raced to a quick start as both batters attacked the New Zealand bowlers in the powerplay. Abhishek reached his half-century in just 18 balls, which is now the fastest fifty in a T20 World Cup knockout match.

It was also the fastest half-century of the tournament. Earlier in the competition, Finn Allen against South Africa and Jacob Bethell against India had scored 50s in 19 balls during the semi-finals.

The milestone moment came when Jacob Duffy bowled a short delivery and Abhishek pulled it away for a boundary. The shot helped him reach his fifty in a T20 World Cup final. After completing the milestone, Abhishek blew kisses towards the Indian dugout as his teammates stood up to applaud.

Abhishek repeats Virat Kohli's heroics

Abhishek’s innings was particularly special because he had not enjoyed the best tournament before the final. Apart from a good performance against Zimbabwe, the left-hander had struggled to make big scores. However, he found his rhythm at the perfect moment on the biggest stage.

Abhishek was dismissed for 52 off 21 balls, but Ishan Kishan came and continued with the same tempo, with India crossing the 200-run mark in 15 overs. Both Samson and Kishan also completed their respective fifties in quick time.

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