A rare and intriguing moment unfolded during the third T20I between India and New Zealand on Sunday in Guwahati, when several New Zealand players were seen checking Abhishek Sharma’s bat on the field. The incident followed Abhishek’s blistering assault that powered India to a dominant chase and left the visitors visibly stunned.
The unusual scene added to an already memorable evening at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, where India wrapped up the chase of 155 in just 10 overs, producing one of their most aggressive batting displays in T20I history.
New Zealand players playfully checks Abhishek Sharma’s bat after the match
Following Abhishek’s extraordinary hitting, Devon Conway and Jacob Duffy were seen briefly checking the Indian batter’s bat on the field.
Such playful banters are common during a cricket match and highlighted just how destructive Abhishek’s strokeplay had been in recent times. His clean ball-striking and effortless power prompted curiosity among the players of the touring party.
Here’s the video:
New Zealand players checking Abhishek Sharma’s bat. 🤣
||Yuvraj singh ||suryakumar yadav|| pic.twitter.com/wOeEXUvmy2
— Amardeep Kushwaha (@AmardeepKushw20) January 25, 2026
Simply excellent, with 10 overs to spare! 👌
A whirlwind 8⃣-wicket victory for #TeamIndia in Guwahati 🥳
They clinch the #INDvNZ T20I series with an unassailable lead of 3⃣-0⃣ 👏
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/YzRfqi0li2@IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/zgp3FIz2o4
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 25, 2026
Abhishek’s innings was remarkable not only for its impact but also for how close it came to rewriting history. The left-hander reached his half-century in just 14 balls, missing Yuvraj Singh’s record for the fastest T20I fifty by only two deliveries.
Despite falling narrowly short of the milestone, Abhishek’s knock was instrumental in dismantling New Zealand’s bowling attack during the powerplay. His fearless intent ensured India seized control of the contest within the first few overs, effectively sealing the result long before the finish.
A powerplay to remember
India’s approach at the top was relentless. The hosts raced to 94 for 2 in the powerplay, registering their second-highest powerplay score in T20 Internationals. The only higher effort remains the 95 they posted against England previously, underlining the scale of India’s dominance in Guwahati.
With the required run rate crushed early, New Zealand were left searching for answers as boundaries flowed freely. The aggressive start ensured the chase never drifted, allowing India to complete the target in double-quick time.
Abhishek reflects on his role as a batter
Speaking after the match, Abhishek emphasized that his aggressive style stems from team clarity and trust. He explained that executing the team’s plans consistently is the primary objective, even though it is not always easy.
“That’s what my team wants from me, and I just want to execute all the time,” Abhishek said during the post-match press conference. He also highlighted the mental aspect of T20 batting and the importance of a supportive dressing room atmosphere.
On the topic of Yuvraj Singh’s record, Abhishek acknowledged its difficulty, calling it an exceptional benchmark while adding that modern T20 cricket continues to push boundaries. He suggested that with the way batters are performing in the series, more exciting moments lie ahead.
“That’s more than impossible for anyone, but still, you never know. Any batsman could do it because I think all the batters have been batting really well in this series as well and going forward, it’s going to be fun,” added Abhishek.
Also READ: From Abhishek Sharma to Yuvraj Singh: Top 5 fastest T20I fifties against full member teams
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