The 23-year-old left-handed batter showcased his prowess by smashing six sixes in a blistering innings against Delhi Capitals, raising hopes of claiming the title of IPL‘s fastest fifty.
Partnering with Australian Travis Head (89 off 32; 6x6s, 11x4s), Sharma orchestrated a devastating assault on the Delhi Capitals’ bowling attack, propelling Sunrisers Hyderabad to the highest powerplay score in T20 cricket history. The duo amassed a staggering 125 runs in the first six overs, setting a scorching pace for the match.
Sharma’s innings was nothing short of sensational, as he bludgeoned 46 runs off just 12 balls at a staggering strike rate of 383.33. With each boundary and six, he edged closer to the IPL record for the fastest fifty, held by Yashasvi Jaiswal of Rajasthan Royals – off 13 balls vs Kolkata Knight Riders in 2023.
In the seventh over, Sharma had the opportunity to etch his name in IPL record books when he hammered Delhi Capitals spinner Kuldeep Yadav for a six off the first delivery, which took his score to 46 off just 11 balls. However, his quest for the record was cut short when he fell victim to a sharp catch by Axar Patel at extra cover in the next ball.
Despite falling short of the fastest fifty milestone, Sharma’s explosive innings left an indelible mark on the match. His onslaught, comprising six sixes and two boundaries, sent shockwaves through the Delhi Capitals’ camp and electrified the spectators at the venue.
His 12-ball innings looked like this today – 4, 4, 6, 1LB, 6, 1, 6, 6, 1, 6, 6, OUT
Here’s how Abhishek’s innings unfolded:
- 0.6 overs: Abhishek started strong, capitalizing on a loose delivery from Khaleel Ahmed to collect a boundary down the leg side.
- 1.6 overs: Lalit Yadav faced the wrath of Abhishek’s blade as he dispatched a ball wide of off-stump for another four.
- 3.1 overs: Abhishek launched Lalit Yadav over deep mid-wicket for a massive six.
- 3.2 overs: Abhishek collected one leg bye off Lalit Yadav after his first maximum of the night.
- 3.4 overs: Abhishek smacked another six in the over, this time over wide long-on.
- 3.5 overs: Abhishek mistimed his shot and collected a single
- 4.1 overs: Kuldeep Yadav’s introduction didn’t deter Abhishek, who sent the first ball soaring over long-on for a six.
- 4.2 overs: Abhishek followed it up with another maximum, this time clearing deep mid-wicket.
- 4.3 overs: After two consecutive sixes, Abhishek scored a single.
- 4.6 overs: The power-packed over continued as Abhishek launched Kuldeep for his third six of the over.
- 6.1 overs: Returning to the attack, Kuldeep was greeted with another colossal hit straight down the ground.
- 6.2 overs: Abhishek’s innings came to an end as he attempted another big shot but found Axar Patel at extra cover, falling just short of the record fifty.
While Sharma’s innings ultimately fell short of the record, his remarkable display of power-hitting will be remembered as one of the highlights of IPL 2024.