India opener Abhishek Sharma had the perfect response to a playful challenge from his childhood idol and mentor, Yuvraj Singh, after producing a sensational century against New Zealand in the third T20I
in Wellington on October 27.
Abhishek smashed 113 runs off just 38 deliveries, helping India chase down a target of 199 with six wickets in hand. His explosive innings included 11 sixes and nine fours, while he reached his century in only 35 balls. The emphatic victory also gave India a 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.
Abhishek Sharma reacts to Yuvraj Singh’s challenge
Following the knock, Yuvraj took to social media to tease his former trainee about the challenge of scoring a half-century in just 12 deliveries. Yuvraj famously holds the record for the fastest T20I fifty by a batter from a Full Member nation, having achieved the milestone against England during the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007.
Responding to the playful remark, Abhishek admitted that replicating such an extraordinary feat was far from easy.
“I don’t know what cricket Yuvi pa was playing at the time. If anyone wants to go out and bat like that, it is not easy,” Abhishek said.
Abhishek Sharma on Yuvraj’s playful jibe of not getting a 12-ball fifty:
“I don’t know what cricket Yuvi pa was playing at the time. If anyone wants to go out and bat like that, it is not easy. It is not easy to get a fifty in 12 balls, but we do not think about that, we want to just win the match for our team”. https://t.co/YEDRt45y8c
— Rakesh Sharma (@iamrkRakesh) October 27, 2026
The Indian opener also made it clear that personal milestones were not his priority. According to him, the objective was to give India a flying start and put the team in a commanding position.
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Abhishek and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi rewrite records
Abhishek also credited teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for providing the perfect start during the chase. The opening pair added 133 runs in just 43 balls, including a record-breaking 118 runs in the powerplay.
While Sooryavanshi contributed a blistering 45 off 19 deliveries, Abhishek continued his assault to take India comfortably across the finish line.
The innings highlighted Abhishek’s remarkable hitting ability and the importance of preparation behind his aggressive approach. Rather than chasing individual records, the left-hander remains focused on maximising India’s chances of winning.
For now, Yuvraj’s 12-ball fifty record remains intact, but Abhishek’s latest performance has ensured that the conversation around India’s explosive batting will continue.
