Indian opener Abhishek Sharma produced another explosive batting display in the third T20I against West Indies, smashing a half-century off just 18 deliveries at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Sunday.

The left-handed batter also crossed the landmark of 2,000 runs in T20 International cricket, adding another milestone to his brilliant career.

Abhishek came out with his trademark attacking intent despite India losing Sanju Samson early in the innings. He took the attack to the West Indies bowlers, racing to his fifty in just 18 balls and putting India in a strong position during the powerplay. 

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Abhishek Sharma Becomes Fastest Indian To 2,000 T20I Runs

The milestone made Abhishek the sixth Indian batter to score 2,000 runs in men's T20Is. More significantly, he reached the mark in just 1,145 balls faced, surpassing Suryakumar Yadav's previous Indian record of 1,164 deliveries.

The achievement underlines Abhishek's exceptional scoring rate in the shortest format. His aggressive approach at the top of the order has made him a key part of India's T20I batting line-up, with the opener regularly putting opposition bowlers under pressure from the opening overs.

India's other batters to have crossed 2,000 T20I runs include Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul.

India Look To Take Control Against West Indies

The third T20I is being played with the five-match series level at 1-1. India won the opening match before West Indies responded with a successful chase of 250 in Ranchi, powered by captain Shai Hope's unbeaten century.

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West Indies won the toss in Indore and elected to bowl, hoping to exploit the conditions and restrict India's powerful batting line-up. However, Abhishek's rapid half-century gave the hosts early momentum after Samson was dismissed for three.

With the series finely poised, India's aggressive start could prove crucial as they look to take the lead.

Abhishek continues to establish himself as one of the most explosive batters in T20I cricket. He will look to give India a great start so that they can finish in a strong position.