'Still can't get a 50 off 12 balls': Yuvraj Singh's playful jab for Abhishek Sharma

Yuvraj Singh can rest easy… for now. The legendary Indian cricketer, holder of the fastest T20I fifty for India in 12 balls, couldn’t help but react after Abhishek Sharma’s thunderous knock in India’s third T20I against New Zealand. “Still can’t get a 50 off 12 balls, can you? Well played – keep going strong!” Yuvraj tweeted, acknowledging the youngster’s record-breaking innings.

Abhishek Sharma produced one of the most explosive innings in recent Indian cricket history, smashing a fifty in just 14 balls – the second-fastest by an Indian in T20Is – during India’s chase of 154 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. His 68 not out from 20 deliveries, featuring five fours and four sixes, helped India cruise to an eight-wicket win and a 3-0 series sweep over New Zealand.



Quickest 50 against a FM team (by balls)
12 balls Yuvraj Singh vs Eng Durban 2007
13 balls Jan Frylinck vs Zim Bulawayo 2025
14 balls Colin Munro vs SL Auckland 2016
14 balls Abhishek Sharma vs NZ Guwahati 2026 *
15 Quinton de Kock vs WI Centurin 2023

The record had previously been held by Hardik Pandya, who reached a fifty in 16 balls. Only Yuvraj Singh’s 2007 Durban blitz against England remains faster. Abhishek’s innings also powered India to 94 for 2 in the powerplay, giving the chase a flying start.

Reflecting on his innings, Abhishek said, “That's what my team wants from me and I just want to execute all the time. But obviously, it’s not easy to do it every time. Mental focus and the dressing room atmosphere help a lot.”

On his fearless approach, he added, “I wouldn’t say I aim to hit big off the first ball. It’s instinct, thinking about the bowler and how I can play him. It’s always in my mind.” He also explained the thought behind his footwork, “It’s all about field placement. I only step out if there’s room, especially on the leg side. If I get that, the off-side is all mine.”

Abhishek’s dazzling strike not only helped India dominate the series but also announced him as a rising force in the team’s T20 setup, just months before the next ICC T20 World Cup.



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