IND vs NZ 2nd T20I: Abhishek Sharma Creates History With Major T20I Milestone

Author: Samannay Sen
Updated: Sat, 24 Oct 2026 04:03 PM (IST)
Source:JND

HighLights

Abhishek became the first batter to hit 100 sixes in T20I powerplays.
Abhishek moved ahead of Rohit Sharma, who finished his T20I career with 98 powerplay sixes.
Martin Guptill, Muhammad Waseem and Paul Stirling are among the other leading six-hitters in T20I powerplays.

India opener Abhishek Sharma reached a major milestone in T20 International cricket, becoming the latest Indian batter to cross the 1,000-run mark in the format during the 2026 calendar year.

The left-handed batter achieved the feat in the second T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) celebrated the achievement on social media, posting: “1000 T20I runs and counting for Team India opener Abhishek Sharma in 2026.”

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Abhishek has been one of India’s most aggressive batters in the shortest format, making an impact at the top of the order with his attacking approach. The milestone adds to an impressive year for the opener, who has continued to deliver significant contributions for the national side.

Abhishek Sharma Joins Elite Company

Abhishek’s achievement places him among the leading Indian run-scorers in T20Is in a calendar year. According to figures reported on Saturday, Ishan Kishan has scored 1,159 T20I runs in 2026, while Suryakumar Yadav holds the Indian record with 1,164 runs in 2022.

With the year still underway, Abhishek has the opportunity to add to his tally during the ongoing New Zealand series and move closer to the top of the list.

The left-hander has established himself as a key part of India’s T20I batting line-up through his ability to score quickly in the powerplay. His attacking style often gives India an early advantage and puts opposition bowlers under pressure.

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Abhishek Falls For 27 Against New Zealand

Abhishek reached the landmark during India’s chase in the second T20I, but his innings ended on 27 runs. He departed as New Zealand made early inroads into the Indian batting line-up.

India were 66/3 after 10 overs while chasing New Zealand’s target of 181. Sanju Samson was dismissed for 14, while teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi managed four runs.

New Zealand’s bowlers shared the early wickets, with Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith and captain Mitchell Santner each striking once to put India under pressure.