Cricket / Abhishek Sharma Smashes Records in Asian Games Final

Nisshin, Oct 3: Abhishek Sharma’s bat turned into a blazing spectacle at Karogi Sports Park, where the Asian Games final against Pakistan became his personal stage of dominance.

In just 28 balls, the left‑handed opener unleashed a storm of seven towering sixes and three crisp boundaries, crafting a 61‑run masterclass that was equal parts artistry and audacity.

Beyond the scoreboard, his stroke‑filled assault carved history, propelling him past legends and into rare statistical company.

Also read: Indian Women Beat China 1-0 to Win Asian Games Hockey Gold

During the innings, Abhishek crossed the 400 sixes mark in T20 cricket, becoming the second‑fastest player to achieve the feat in terms of balls faced. He reached the milestone in 3513 deliveries, surpassing the legendary Chris Gayle, who took 3557 balls.

Only Andre Russell has done it quicker, reaching 400 maximums in 3027 balls. “Abhishek became the second‑fastest player to hit 400 maximums in the shortest international format,” the record now reads.

Fastest to 400 T20 sixes (balls faced):

• Andre Russell: 3027
• Abhishek Sharma: 3513
• Chris Gayle: 3557
• Tim David: 3803
• Kieron Pollard: 3944
• Nicholas Pooran: 4045
• Evin Lewis: 4072

Abhishek also completed 100 sixes in the calendar year 2026, becoming the second‑fastest to reach the landmark. He took 651 balls to get there, ahead of Dewald Brevis (653) and Gayle (724). Russell again tops the list, having achieved the milestone in 589 balls in 2019.

Fastest to 100 T20 sixes in a calendar year (balls faced):

• Andre Russell (2019): 589
• Abhishek Sharma (2026): 651
• Dewald Brevis (2025): 653
• Chris Gayle (2016): 724
• Karanbir Singh (2025): 728

India opted to bat first in the final, fielding an unchanged XI with Arshdeep Singh, Yash Thakur, and Vipraj Nigam on the bench. Pakistan made one change, bringing in all‑rounder Saad Masood for pacer Mohammad Wasim Jr.

(IANS)