8 Sixes in 35 Balls: Watch Abhishek Sharma Destroy NZ Bowlers in Nagpur

Abhishek Sharma 84(35) Highlights: 8 Sixes, 240 Strike Rate! Read the full analysis of how he stunned NZ in the 1st T20I at Nagpur.

India Batting

New Zealand Batting

The Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur witnessed a batting spectacle for the ages as young Indian dynamo Abhishek Sharma unleashed a torrent of boundaries against a helpless New Zealand attack. In a display of sheer power and impeccable timing, Sharma smashed his way to a match-defining 84 runs off just 35 deliveries, setting the platform for India’s massive total and eventual victory in the T20 International clash.

The innings was a masterclass in modern T20 hitting, defined not just by the volume of runs, but by the breathtaking intent with which they were scored. Coming in after the early fall of wicketkeeper-opener Sanju Samson, who departed for 10, Sharma immediately shifted the pressure back onto the Kiwis. There was no sighter period, no gentle accumulation; it was fifth-gear batting from the outset.

The defining statistic of Sharma’s innings was his boundary hitting. In his brief 35-ball stay at the crease, he sent the ball to the fence five times and cleared it a staggering eight times. That means over 80% of his runs came solely in boundaries. His ability to clear the ropes with ease against both pace and spin left the New Zealand captain, Mitchell Santner, scratching his head for answers.

8 Sixes in 35 Balls: Watch Abhishek Sharma Destroy NZ Bowlers in Nagpur

Sharma’s strike rate remained a sky-high 240.00 throughout his knock. He treated every bowler with equal disdain, turning good length deliveries into half-volleys and punishing anything short. The Nagpur crowd was treated to a barrage of lofted drives, pull shots, and clean strikes down the ground. By the time he was eventually dismissed—caught by Kyle Jamieson off the bowling of Ish Sodhi—he had firmly swung the momentum in India’s favor, ensuring the run rate was hovering near 12 an over.

While Sharma was the undisputed star of the show, his innings allowed the rest of the batting lineup to play with freedom. Captain Surya kumar Yadav chipped in with a brisk 32 off 22 balls. However, the perfect finishing touch was applied by Rinku Singh. Capitalizing on the platform laid by Sharma, Rinku remained unbeaten on a blistering 44 off just 20 balls, ensuring no momentum was lost at the death.

Thanks to Sharma’s whirlwind 84 and Rinku’s late assault, India posted a daunting total of 238 for 7 in their 20 overs. It was a score that proved insurmountable for the visitors. Despite a valiant counter-attacking effort from Glenn Phillips, who scored a brilliant 78 off 40 balls, New Zealand could only manage 190 for 7 in reply.

Building Partnerships: The Launchpad for 238

While Abhishek Sharma was the aggressor, his innings was supported by smart partnerships that kept the scoreboard ticking. After the early loss of Ishan Kishan (8 off 5 balls), Sharma found a steady ally in captain Suryakumar Yadav. Yadav played a complementary role, scoring 32 off 22 balls with four boundaries and a six. This partnership was crucial; it prevented New Zealand from stringing together dot balls and allowed Sharma to take calculated risks at the other end.

When Sharma finally departed, caught by Kyle Jamieson, the platform was perfectly set for the finishers. Hardik Pandya contributed a quickfire 25 off 16 deliveries, but it was Rinku Singh who truly capitalized on the chaos Sharma had created. Rinku’s unbeaten 44 off just 20 balls included three massive sixes and four boundaries, pushing India’s total to a monstrous 238/7. The relentless assault from both ends meant the Kiwi bowlers had no place to hide.

Glenn Phillips Fights Lone Battle for Kiwis

Chasing 239 was always going to be a herculean task, and New Zealand’s start was disastrous. Opener Devon Conway fell for a duck after facing just two balls, caught by Sanju Samson off Arshdeep Singh. The pressure of the scoreboard weighed heavy, and wickets fell at regular intervals.

However, amidst the rubble, Glenn Phillips stood tall. Playing an innings that mirrored Sharma’s intent, Phillips smashed 78 runs off 40 balls, hitting four boundaries and six sixes with a strike rate of 195.00. He found some support from Mark Chapman, who scored a brisk 39 off 24 balls, but the required run rate kept climbing. The Indian bowlers held their nerve, with Shivam Dube picking up crucial wickets, including Daryl Mitchell and Kris Clarke, ensuring the visitors were restricted to 190/7.

Abhishek Sharma: An All-Round Asset

It wasn’t just with the bat that Abhishek Sharma contributed to the win. His presence was felt in the field as well, proving his value as a complete package for the team. He took two critical catches under pressure: first dismissing the dangerous Rachin Ravindra off Hardik Pandya’s bowling, and later catching Mark Chapman off Varun Chakaravarthy to break a threatening partnership.

A New Era of Aggression?

This match in Nagpur might well be looked back upon as a turning point. Abhishek Sharma’s 84 is more than just a statistic; it is a statement of intent from the younger generation of Indian cricketers. Scoring at a strike rate of 240.00 in an international fixture shows a fearlessness that bodes well for India’s T20 future.

As the teams move to the next venue, New Zealand will have to go back to the drawing board to figure out how to stop Sharma, while India will look to ride this wave of “viral” momentum to a series win. For the fans at Nagpur and those watching worldwide, the message was clear: Abhishek Sharma has arrived, and he is here to dominate.

8 Sixes in 35 Balls: Watch Abhishek Sharma Destroy NZ Bowlers in Nagpur