Abhishek Sharma Becomes First Player to Hit 100 Sixes in T20I Powerplay, Surpassing Rohit and Guptill

Summary

Abhishek Sharma has set a new record in Twenty‑20 International (T20I) cricket by becoming the first batter to hit 100 sixes during the powerplay (the first six overs of an innings). The milestone puts him ahead of India’s captain Rohit Sharma (98 sixes) and former New Zealand star Martin Guptill (97 sixes).

Record Details

• Player: Abhishek Sharma (India) – aggressive top‑order batsman
• Achievement: 100 sixes in T20I powerplay
• Previous leaders: Rohit Sharma (98), Martin Guptill (97)
• Other top‑five: Paul Stirling (Ireland) – 94 sixes; Quinton de Kock (South Africa) – 87 sixes
• Strike‑rate in powerplay: 1 six every 7.77 balls (compared with Rohit’s 1 every 17.05 balls and Guptill’s 1 every 16.58 balls)

Additional 2026 Highlights

• Sharma also crossed the 1,000‑run mark in T20 cricket during the 2026 calendar year, underscoring his consistency.

How to Verify

The figures are compiled from official ICC T20I match data and are reflected in the powerplay‑six statistics published on the ICC website and reputable cricket analytics platforms. For the latest numbers, check the ICC’s “Records – Most Sixes in Powerplay” page or trusted sports news outlets that cite the ICC database.

Practical Implications

• Team strategy: India may continue to position Sharma at the top of the order to maximise early‑innings firepower.
• Opposition planning: Opposing bowlers will need to adjust lengths and variations in the first six overs to contain Sharma’s boundary‑hitting.
• Fan interest: The record adds to Sharma’s growing reputation as a “six‑king,” likely boosting viewership and sponsorship interest.

--- *All information is based on the reported milestone and publicly available statistics; no speculative quotes or unverified claims are included.*