Indian cricketer Abhishek Sharma has once again taken the cricketing world by storm with his breathtaking batting display, this time against New Zealand in the third T20 international at Guwahati. His fearless stroke play not only powered India to a historic victory but also left New Zealand players so astonished that they were seen checking his bat after the match — a moment that has since gone viral on social media.
The incident occurred following India’s emphatic eight-wicket win, where the hosts chased down a challenging target of 154 runs in just 10 overs. Abhishek Sharma’s extraordinary hitting ability was the centerpiece of this dominant performance, forcing even the opposition players to pause and take a closer look at the bat that caused such destruction.
कल मैच के बाद न्यूजीलैंड के खिलाड़ी अभिषेक शर्मा का बल्ला चेक कर रहे थे।
— ममता राजगढ़ (@rajgarh_mamta1) January 26, 2026
मुझे याद नहीं कि किसी और खिलाड़ी का बल्ला इस तरह चेक किया गया हो।
मुझे याद है कि आखिरी बार विपक्षी टीम के खिलाड़ियों ने सचिन तेंदुलकर के ज़माने में बल्ला चेक किया था। pic.twitter.com/rnd6U2EQIa
Kiwi Players Inspect Abhishek Sharma’s Bat After the Match
Soon after the match concluded, New Zealand opening batter Devon Conway and fast bowler Jacob Duffy were seen examining Abhishek Sharma’s bat on the field. The light-hearted moment, captured on camera, showed the Kiwi players curiously checking whether there was something special about the bat that enabled such brutal shot-making.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner was also present during the moment and appeared amused, smiling as he glanced at the bat before walking away. The video quickly spread across social media platforms, with fans praising Abhishek Sharma’s power-hitting and enjoying the respectful curiosity shown by the New Zealand players.
A Knock That Shocked the Opposition
Abhishek Sharma’s performance in the Guwahati T20 was nothing short of sensational. Chasing a steep target, he smashed an unbeaten 68 runs off just 20 balls, completely dismantling New Zealand’s bowling attack. His innings included seven fours and five towering sixes, showcasing a perfect blend of timing, strength, and fearless intent.
What made the knock even more remarkable was his astonishing strike rate of 340, a figure rarely seen at the international level. Abhishek reached his half-century in just 14 deliveries, sending shockwaves through the stadium and across the cricketing community.
India’s chase was over almost as soon as it began, as New Zealand bowlers struggled to find answers against Abhishek Sharma’s relentless assault. The match ended with India achieving one of the fastest successful run chases in T20 international history.
Nearly Breaking Yuvraj Singh’s Record
While Abhishek Sharma’s innings was historic, it also brought him close to breaking a legendary Indian record. His mentor, former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, holds the record for the fastest T20 international fifty by an Indian, achieved in just 12 balls.
Abhishek’s half-century came in 14 balls, narrowly missing out on surpassing his mentor’s milestone. Nonetheless, the knock further strengthened comparisons between the two, with fans and experts noting similarities in their aggressive batting styles and six-hitting ability.
Consistent Impact Across the Series
The Guwahati blitz was not an isolated performance. Abhishek Sharma had already announced his arrival earlier in the series with a stunning knock in the first T20 match at Nagpur, where he scored 84 runs off 35 balls. That innings set the tone for the series and established him as one of India’s most exciting young batting prospects.
However, like any aggressive batter, Abhishek experienced a minor setback in the second T20, where he was dismissed for a duck on the very first ball. Instead of letting the failure affect his confidence, he bounced back emphatically in the third match, proving his mental strength and attacking mindset.
Also read: Abhishek Sharma Fastest Half-Century: Young Opener Smashes Records Against New Zealand in Guwahati
Social Media Buzz and Fan Reactions
The viral video of New Zealand players checking Abhishek Sharma’s bat has become a talking point among fans worldwide. Many viewers interpreted the moment as a sign of respect rather than suspicion, highlighting how extraordinary performances often earn admiration even from opponents.
Cricket fans flooded social media with praise, calling Abhishek Sharma “India’s next T20 superstar” and applauding his fearless approach. Several former cricketers also lauded his ability to dominate international bowlers at such a young age.
A Bright Future for Abhishek Sharma
With performances like these, Abhishek Sharma is quickly cementing his place as a key figure in India’s T20 setup. His ability to change the course of a match within a few overs makes him a valuable asset in modern limited-overs cricket.
As India continues to build towards future ICC tournaments, Abhishek Sharma’s explosive batting, confidence under pressure, and fearless intent could play a crucial role in shaping the team’s success.
For now, fans will remember the Guwahati T20 not just for India’s historic win, but for the night when Abhishek Sharma’s bat spoke so loudly that even the opposition had to stop and take a closer look.