Abhishek Sharma Smashes Fastest India-Pakistan T20I Half-Century, Overtakes Yuvraj Singh's Record

NEW DELHI: Abhishek Sharma delivered a sensational performance as India defeated Pakistan by six wickets in their Super Four clash of the 2025 Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. The 25-year-old left-hander not only dominated the opposition but also etched his name in the record books by breaking Yuvraj Singh’s long-standing record for the fastest T20I half-century by an Indian against Pakistan.Abhishek reached his fifty in just 24 balls, surpassing Yuvraj’s previous record of 29 balls, set during the 2012 T20I in Ahmedabad. His aggressive innings left the Pakistan bowlers rattled, as the opposition attempted to unsettle the Indian batters with verbal exchanges.Undeterred, Abhishek and vice-captain Shubman Gill countered both the bowling and the sledging, putting on a 105-run opening stand that laid a solid foundation for India’s successful chase of 172.Abhishek’s 74 off just 39 balls also helped him surpass Yuvraj for the highest individual score by an Indian against Pakistan in T20Is. Legendary Virat Kohli remains at the top of the list with 82* in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Melbourne. Kohli’s name appears twice, followed by Gautam Gambhir with 75, making Abhishek fourth on this elite list.Abhishek is the highest run getter in the tournament with 173 runs in 4 matches, at an average of 43.25 and an astonishing strike-rate of 208.43.