Abhishek Sharma (Image credit: Reuters)
The team scored 81/2 in the first six overs, its highest powerplay score against Pakistan in T20Is. India’s previous best was 69/0, scored in the Super Fours match of the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai. He scored 50 off 24 balls in that match, which was India’s fastest fifty against Pakistan in T20Is at the time.
India also made a new record during the powerplay. Abhishek was the star of that powerplay too.
NEW DELHI: Abhishek Sharma produced another attacking innings as India made a strong start against Pakistan in the gold medal match of the Asian Games 2026 at the Korogi Athletic Park in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Saturday.
The left-hander smashed a quick 61 off 28 balls, hitting seven sixes and giving India early momentum in the high-profile final. Abhishek had also hit five sixes against Pakistan in the Asia Cup in Dubai in 2025. Abhishek has also reached the milestone of 400 sixes in T20 cricket faster than several big names in the format. He took 3,513 balls to reach 400 sixes, making him the second-fastest player on the list.
India opted to bat first after winning the toss, and Abhishek gave the team the perfect start.