Abhishek Sharma's Explosive Fifty Drives India to Record Power-play in T20 World Cup Final
Synopsis
Witness the thrilling moment when Abhishek Sharma ignited India's innings with a record 92-run Power-play, setting the stage for a historic victory in the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand. Discover the highlights of this unforgettable match.
Key Takeaways
Abhishek Sharma scored a record-breaking 52 runs off 21 balls.
India reached a Power-play total of 92 runs .
Samson provided solid support with a quick 33 runs .
The match was held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
This performance marked the fastest team hundred in T20 World Cup knockouts.
Ahmedabad, March 8 (NationPress) A stunning performance by Abhishek Sharma propelled India to the highest Power-play total in the history of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup during the final against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.
India surged to 92 runs without losing any wickets in six overs, setting a new record in the T20 World Cup finale. The previous record was 92/1, held by the West Indies against Afghanistan in 2024, while India's former best in the tournament was 86/1 against Namibia in the same edition.
Abhishek led the charge with a breathtaking 52 runs off just 21 balls, achieving his half-century in a mere 18 deliveries, before being dismissed. This knock marked the fastest fifty recorded by any player in this T20 World Cup edition.
India's innings started cautiously, amassing only 12 runs in the first two overs, but the momentum shifted dramatically thereafter. Abhishek and Sanju Samson unleashed a fierce attack on the New Zealand bowlers, accumulating 80 runs in the final four overs of the Power-play.
Abhishek showcased his prowess against the seamers, elegantly lofting deliveries over the infield and punishing anything short with powerful pulls and cuts. His aggressive style placed New Zealand in a defensive position, compelling them to frequently adjust their strategy.
The pressure mounted when Lockie Ferguson conceded 24 runs in a single over, marking one of the most expensive overs in a T20 World Cup final. Abhishek continued his rampage against Jacob Duffy, ultimately reaching his fifty with a pulled boundary that ignited cheers from the crowd and the Indian bench.
While Abhishek stole the spotlight, Samson offered valuable support with a brisk 33 runs off 17 balls, as the duo established the first 50-plus opening partnership in a men’s T20 World Cup final.
By the end of the Power-play, India had taken firm control of the match, laying the groundwork for a formidable total with one of the most explosive starts ever witnessed in a T20 World Cup final.
Thanks to their explosive batting, India crossed the 100-run mark off just the second delivery of the eighth over, concluding the Power-play at 110/1. This also marked the fastest team hundred in T20 World Cup knockouts.
Point of View
Abhishek Sharma's explosive innings not only rewrote the record books but also showcased India's dominance in T20 cricket. The team's ability to adapt and execute under pressure highlights their commitment to excellence on the global stage.
NationPress
5 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the highest Power-play total in T20 World Cup history?
India set the highest Power-play total with 92 runs during the final against New Zealand.
Who scored the fastest fifty in the T20 World Cup 2024?
Abhishek Sharma scored the fastest fifty in the T20 World Cup 2024, achieving it in just 18 balls.
