Christchurch: India opener Abhishek Sharma has surpassed former captain Rohit Sharma to become the first batter to hit 100 sixes during the powerplay in men’s T20 International cricket.
The left-hander achieved the milestone during India’s second T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch on October 24, 2026, setting a new benchmark in the shortest international format.
Abhishek reached the landmark while opening India’s chase of 181 runs. Although he could not convert his start into a substantial innings, his aggressive approach helped him create a record that had previously been beyond Rohit, one of the most prolific six-hitters in T20I history.
Abhishek moves ahead of Rohit Sharma
Abhishek’s record-breaking six took his tally in the powerplay overs of T20Is to 100. Rohit, who retired from T20I cricket in 2024, had finished his international career with 98 sixes in the first six overs of an innings, according to statistics cited in match reports.
New Zealand’s former opener Martin Guptill occupies third place on the list with 97 powerplay sixes. The figures underline the scale of Abhishek’s achievement, particularly given his relatively short T20I career compared with the experience of Rohit and Guptill.
The powerplay refers to the first six overs of a T20 innings, when fielding restrictions create opportunities for batters to attack the bowling and score quickly. Abhishek has built his reputation around taking advantage of these conditions, frequently looking for boundaries from the beginning of his innings.
His ability to clear the boundary consistently has made him a key part of India’s top order. The latest milestone further strengthens his standing as one of the format’s most aggressive opening batters.
Record comes during India’s chase of 181
The milestone came in the second T20I against New Zealand, with India pursuing a target of 181 runs. Abhishek scored 27 off 21 deliveries, striking three fours and one six before being dismissed by New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner.
While the innings was shorter than India would have hoped, the six that took Abhishek to the 100-mark ensured that his contribution would be remembered for a statistical achievement beyond the match itself. He maintained a strike rate of 128.57 during his stay at the crease.
India experienced difficulties during the chase, losing wickets at regular intervals and allowing New Zealand to put pressure on the middle order. Santner was particularly effective with the ball, finishing with four wickets for 21 runs.
However, India recovered through a series of important partnerships. Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 51 off 26 balls, while Naman Dhir scored 31 off 17 deliveries. Nitish Kumar Reddy contributed an unbeaten 26 off 13 balls as India reached 181 for six with one delivery remaining, winning by four wickets.
A milestone built on aggressive batting
Abhishek’s record reflects a batting style based on taking the initiative early. In T20 cricket, the powerplay offers a valuable opportunity to build momentum before fielding restrictions are relaxed. Batters who score quickly during this period can put the opposition under pressure and improve their team’s chances of setting or chasing a competitive total.
The left-hander has regularly attempted to attack both pace and spin during the opening overs. His six-hitting ability has become a defining feature of his game, allowing him to score boundaries even when bowlers attempt to restrict his scoring areas.
The comparison with Rohit is significant because the former India captain was renowned for his timing, range of shots and ability to dominate bowling attacks. Rohit’s 98 powerplay sixes set a high standard, but Abhishek has now moved past that mark.
The record should also be viewed in the context of the available statistical data. The powerplay sixes comparison cited in reports is based on ball-by-ball records available for T20Is, rather than a separate official award or tournament title.
India take a 2-0 lead in the series
India’s victory in Christchurch gave the team a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The result followed another four-wicket win in the opening match, leaving the hosts with work to do to remain competitive in the series.
The third T20I is scheduled to take place in Wellington on October 27. India will aim to continue its winning run, while New Zealand will look to improve its execution with both bat and ball.
For Abhishek, the immediate priority will be to turn his promising starts into bigger scores while maintaining the attacking approach that has helped him establish himself in the side. His latest record demonstrates his capacity to make an impact even during a relatively brief innings.
By becoming the first batter to reach 100 powerplay sixes in men’s T20Is, Abhishek has added another milestone to his growing international career. With the series still in progress, his performance will remain one of the key talking points as India and New Zealand prepare for the next encounter.