Abhishek Sharma scripts history, breaks Rohit Sharma's all-time world record

Abhishek Sharma produced a stunning display of power-hitting to rewrite the record books during India's third T20I against New Zealand in Wellington on Tuesday, setting a new world record for the most sixes by a batter from a Full Member nation in a calendar year.The left-hander took his tally to 85 sixes in 2026, surpassing former India captain Rohit Sharma's previous record of 80 maximums, set in 2023.Abhishek's record-breaking feat came during a breathtaking 113-run knock off just 38 balls as India chased down New Zealand's target of 199 in only 13.2 overs to seal the five-match series with an unassailable 3-0 lead.The world's top-ranked T20 batter dismantled the New Zealand attack, racing to his half-century in just 15 balls before completing his century off 35 deliveries. His innings featured 11 sixes and nine boundaries, leaving the hosts with little chance of defending their total.Abhishek began his assault in the opening over itself, as India plundered 26 runs off Jacob Duffy. Alongside 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who smashed 45 off 18 balls, he powered India to a record 118-run Powerplay, the highest total by any team in the first six overs of a T20 innings.The opening pair added 133 runs in just seven overs, with Sooryavanshi striking four sixes while Abhishek cleared the ropes eight times during their partnership.Although Sooryavanshi's explosive start was instrumental in setting up the chase, Abhishek soon took centre stage with an extraordinary display of power-hitting. He celebrated his century with his trademark meditation pose before being dismissed by Glenn Phillips.India's emphatic victory also extended their impressive record in New Zealand, completing a third consecutive T20I series win on the country's soil after their 5-0 triumph in 2020 and 1-0 success in 2022.Earlier, Daryl Mitchell struck an unbeaten 89 off 52 balls to help New Zealand post 198/3. Finn Allen contributed 40 off 25 deliveries, while Bevon Jacobs remained unbeaten on 39 off 23 balls.However, the hosts' total proved insufficient against India's relentless batting assault, with Abhishek's record-breaking performance taking centre stage in a dominant series-clinching victory.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.