History in Guwahati! Abhishek Sharma-Ishan Kishan bring up fastest team 50 for India in T20Is

Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan etches record for India [Source: X]

India posted one of the fastest team fifties in T20 international cricket on January 25 against New Zealand in Guwahati. A blistering start from the Ishan Kishan–Abhishek Sharma pair took India to the 50-run mark in just 3.1 overs, the quickest in India's T20I history. 

Notably, India were chasing a target of 154 runs after New Zealand’s innings. Sanju Samson was dismissed for a duck early on, following which Ishan Kishan walked in at number three to join Abhishek Sharma for a blitzkrieg partnership.

Power pair packs fastest team fifties for India in T20Is

Though Ishan Kishan did not last long, his 28 off 13 balls provided India with the start they needed. Before this record-breaking effort, India’s fastest team fifty had come in 3.4 overs against Bangladesh in 2023 and in 3.5 overs against England in 2025.

Fastest Team 50s for India in T20Is:

• 3.1 Overs vs New Zealand, Guwahati, 2026*
• 3.4 Overs vs Bangladesh, Hangzhou, 2023
• 3.5 Overs vs England, Mumbai (Wankhede), 2025
• 3.5 Overs vs Scotland, Dubai, 2021
• 3.5 Overs vs Australia, Thirvantupuram, 2023

Nevertheless, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan combined for 53 runs off just 19 deliveries to help India etch a new record in the history books. Kishan was eventually dismissed by Ish Sodhi, but he struck at an impressive rate of 215.38, hitting three boundaries and two sixes.

During the partnership, Abhishek Sharma played some classic shots, smashing 23 runs off just six deliveries, underlining the impact of his fearless and explosive batting.

Meanwhile, Sanju Samson continued to struggle with the bat after his twin failures in the first and second ODIs. He departed for a golden duck, briefly putting India on the back foot, but Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan ensured there were no further stumbles.

New Zealand struggled with the bat in 3rd T20I

Speaking of New Zealand’s innings, Glenn Phillips was the top scorer with 48 runs, while openers Devon Conway and Tim Seifert disappointed with scores of 1 and 12, respectively.

Rachin Ravindra also failed to make an impact, managing just four runs. Mitchell Santner chipped in with a quick 27 off 17 deliveries. 

India bowlers owned the visitors

India’s bowling attack was led by Jasprit Bumrah, who picked up three wickets, dismissing Seifert, skipper Mitchell Santner, and Kyle Jamieson. Hardik Pandya claimed two wickets, while Ravi Bishnoi also scalped two. Harshit Rana added one wicket to his tally by removing opener Devon Conway for just one run off two balls.

Nevertheless, Ish Sodhi and Jacob Duffy could only help New Zealand post 153 runs on the board in the third T20I, which turned out to be a series decider. 

With India in a strong position and batters like Suryakumar Yadav and Abhishek Sharma at the crease, smashing the ball all around the park, it looks like the New Zealand series is firmly in India's grasp.