Abhishek Sharma becomes first to 300+ runs in a T20 Asia Cup: records broken and what’s next
Abhishek Sharma becomes first to 300+ runs in a T20 Asia Cup: records, context, and what’s next
Abhishek Sharma’s blazing fifty against Sri Lanka powered him past 300 runs in Asia Cup 2025, making him the first batter in history to reach 300+ in a single T20 Asia Cup edition. The left‑hand opener’s 61 off 31 also extended his golden run to seven consecutive 30‑plus T20I scores, the joint‑most in the format.
What record did he break?
Abhishek’s tournament tally moved to 309 runs, eclipsing the previous Asia Cup T20 record of 281 set by Mohammad Rizwan in 2022. He also became only the second Indian to cross 300 in a multi‑nation T20I tournament after Virat Kohli, and joined a rare club of players with 250+ runs in a single T20I event.
Records at a glance
First batter to score 300+ in a T20 Asia Cup (current tally: 309).
Seven successive 30+ T20I scores (joint record alongside Mohammad Rizwan and Rohit Sharma).
Six fifties made in 25 balls or fewer this year, underlining elite powerplay acceleration.
One of the few Indians with three back‑to‑back T20I 50+ scores.
Within striking distance of more milestones
Needs 11 runs to surpass the best single‑tournament tally by an Indian in T20Is (current Indian best: Virat Kohli 319).
Needs 23 runs to move past the top tally by a batter from a Test nation in a T20I tournament/series this season (benchmark: 331).
How Abhishek changed India’s starts
Abhishek’s method combines clean power with calculated risk:
First 10 balls: read length and pace, hit with the turn, avoid forced swings.
Then accelerate: target short sides, punish pace‑on length, and keep the straight hit in play.
Spin plan: sweep only on line, keep the V open, and rotate hard to deny dot‑ball pressure.
The result is early, sustained pressure on the fielding side: spread fields arrive inside the powerplay, India’s No. 3 and No. 4 get easy ones and twos in the middle overs, and finishers walk in with the rate under control.
Key knocks that built the record
Opponent | Stage | Runs (Balls) | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
Pakistan | Super Four | 74 (39) | Set up a 172 chase with a breakaway powerplay |
Bangladesh | Super Four | 75 (37) | Second straight 25‑ball fifty; early separation |
Sri Lanka | Super Four | 61 (31) | Record‑breaking half‑century; first to 300+ in a T20 Asia Cup |
Oman | Group | 38 | Tone‑setting cameo that kept the top in high gear |
Why this streak is different
Consistency plus speed: Seven straight 30+ scores with sub‑25‑ball fifties shows repeatable aggression, not streaky hitting.
Boundary discipline: Big hits come from shape and timing, not slogging—less risk, more reward.
Opposition plans stressed: Teams have had to hold matchups for him, which has opened windows for India’s middle order.
What it means for India
Abhishek’s fast starts compress targets and reduce panic later. Even on days the middle order takes time to settle, the scoreboard keeps moving because of the base he lays. For bowlers, it means defending totals with an extra cushion or chasing with a shorter runway.
What to watch next
Can Abhishek turn one of these rapid fifties into a defining T20I hundred on the big night?
Will teams bowl wider lines with pace off earlier to curb his V‑range, forcing him square?
If that happens, expect quick switches: more late cuts, more hard running, and renewed targeting straight when pace returns.