Abhishek Sharma Scripts History: First To Smash 15+ Sixes In A Single Asia Cup

Abhishek Sharma lit up the Super Four stage in Dubai with a blistering 75 off 37 balls against Bangladesh, and in the process, became the first batter ever to hit more than 15 sixes in a single Asia Cup edition. His five towering hits in that knock took his tournament tally to 16 sixes, breaking Sanath Jayasuriya’s long-standing landmark of 14 from 2008. It capped a golden run for India’s new-ball dasher, who followed his match-winning 74 against Pakistan with another powerplay masterclass and back‑to‑back 25-ball fifties.

The Record And What It Means

• Abhishek is the first player to clear the ropes 15+ times in one Asia Cup, moving to 16 sixes after his Super Four assault.

• The previous record (14) stood for 17 years, set by Sri Lanka great Sanath Jayasuriya in 2008.

• The milestone reflects a modern T20 template at the top: fast starts, fearless intent, and clean striking through the line.

How The 75 Took Shape

India were steady early before Abhishek flipped the switch in overs 4–6. He launched Nasum Ahmed and then took on Mustafizur Rahman, racing India to 72/0 by the end of the powerplay. His fifty came in just 25 balls, mixing range-hitting over long-on and point with razor‑sharp placement. He finished with six fours and five sixes before a brilliant one‑handed stop and direct hit from Rishad Hossain at short third ended his charge via a run‑out, just when a maiden T20I century looked on.

The Powerplay Blueprint

Abhishek’s method is simple and repeatable:

• Assess spin and pace lengths in the first 10–12 balls.

• Target the short side and the bowler’s change‑ups once sighted.

• Keep a high boundary percentage without forcing shots against the turn.

That balance—assessment first, acceleration next—has separated him from mere sloggers. Even on mixed-pace surfaces, he has found rhythm quickly and sustained pressure on the attack leader.

Why India Still Needed Every Run

India reached 96/1 after 10 but faltered in the middle overs. Rishad Hossain gave the ball air, lured errors from Shubman Gill and Shivam Dube, and sucked momentum from the innings. Axar Patel, bumped up the order, struggled to kick on, and Suryakumar Yadav fell to a leg‑side grab from Jaker Ali. Hardik Pandya’s late 38 off 29 lifted the total to 168/6, but the innings underlined how crucial Abhishek’s early surge was.

Bangladesh’s Bowling Bright Spots

• Tanzim Hasan Sakib’s second spell—sharp bouncers, into‑the‑pitch pace—picked off Tilak Varma at deep mid‑wicket and slowed the finish.

• Mustafizur mixed cutters and angles to tame the back‑half scoring.

• Rishad Hossain (2/27 in 3) changed the game’s rhythm with brave flight and a ripping leg‑break to Dube.

Abhishek’s Asia Cup 2025 So Far

Note: Totals reflect the key Super Four knocks that powered his record climb.

Why This Feat Matters Beyond Numbers

• It signals India’s evolution at the top: immediate scoreboard pressure and dynamic powerplay usage.

• It compresses targets and forces opponents into defensive fields early, opening the middle for India’s stroke‑makers.

• It reshapes bowling plans—teams must now hold matchup options specifically for Abhishek in the first six overs.

What’s Next For Abhishek

Opponents will now set funky fields, hold back preferred matchups, and test him with slower grip‑off cutters into the pitch. The counter is clear: keep the shot selection disciplined (hit with the turn, power the V), and continue picking bowlers, not balls. If the tempo holds, this Asia Cup may be remembered as the series where an elite six‑hitter truly arrived.