In a moment that will be etched in the annals of India-Pakistan cricketing history, Abhishek Sharma has broken Yuvraj Singh’s long-standing record for the highest individual score by an Indian in a T20I against Pakistan. The 24-year-old left-hander smashed a breathtaking 82 off just 41 balls during the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash in Colombo, eclipsing Yuvraj’s 72-run blitz from the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007.
Abhishek’s innings was a masterclass in fearless batting, combining brute power with elegant strokeplay. His knock featured 10 boundaries and 4 sixes, and came at a strike rate of 200.0, setting the tone for India’s dominant 46-run win over their arch-rivals. The record-breaking moment arrived in the 15th over when Abhishek lofted Shaheen Afridi over deep mid-wicket to surpass Yuvraj’s mark, drawing a standing ovation from the crowd and praise from legends across the cricketing world.
India vs Pakistan T20I – Highest Individual Scores (All-Time)
| Player Name | Score | Balls Faced | Venue | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma | 82 | 41 | Colombo | 2025 | India won by 46 runs |
| Yuvraj Singh | 72 | 36 | Durban | 2007 | India won (Bowl-out) |
| Virat Kohli | 78* | 53 | Melbourne | 2022 | India won by 4 wkts |
| Rohit Sharma | 68 | 42 | Ahmedabad | 2023 | India won by 7 wkts |
| KL Rahul | 61 | 39 | Dubai | 2021 | India lost by 10 wkts |
Yuvraj Singh himself responded to the milestone with warmth and admiration. “Records are meant to be broken. Abhishek played a gem of an innings. That cover drive with a helicopter finish—pure class,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Abhishek’s innings was not just about numbers—it was a statement of intent. Coming in at No. 3 after the early dismissal of Rohit Sharma, he took charge from the outset, attacking both pace and spin with equal authority. His partnership with Suryakumar Yadav added 94 runs in just 8.2 overs, effectively taking the game away from Pakistan.
Abhishek Sharma’s Record-Breaking Knock – Key Stats
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Runs Scored | 82 |
| Balls Faced | 41 |
| Strike Rate | 200.0 |
| Fours | 10 |
| Sixes | 4 |
| Boundary Percentage | 34.1% |
| Time at Crease | 58 minutes |
| Milestone Reached | Highest T20I score vs Pakistan |
The innings also marked Abhishek’s third fifty in his last five T20I appearances, reinforcing his status as India’s most exciting young batting prospect. His ability to dominate the powerplay and accelerate in the middle overs has drawn comparisons to Suresh Raina and David Warner.
Former India coach Ravi Shastri called the knock “a generational shift in India’s batting approach,” while commentator Harsha Bhogle described it as “a blend of instinct, innovation, and intent.”
Expert Reactions – Abhishek Sharma’s Historic Knock
| Name | Role/Title | Reaction Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Yuvraj Singh | Former India all-rounder | “Records are meant to be broken. Proud moment.” |
| Ravi Shastri | Ex-India coach | “This is the new India—aggressive and fearless.” |
| Harsha Bhogle | Commentator | “A shot-maker with a sharp cricketing brain.” |
| Shoaib Akhtar | Former Pakistan pacer | “He batted like a boss. Pakistan had no answers.” |
The record-breaking performance also comes at a crucial juncture in India’s white-ball roadmap. With the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, Abhishek’s form and temperament make him a strong contender for a permanent top-order slot. His ability to handle high-pressure games, especially against Pakistan, adds immense value to his profile.
India’s Top-Order Options – T20 World Cup 2026 Outlook
| Player Name | Role | Strengths | Age | Selection Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma | Opener/No. 3 | Powerplay aggression, wrist play | 24 | Very high |
| Shubman Gill | Opener | Technique, consistency | 26 | High |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Opener | Left-hand variety, strokeplay | 23 | High |
| KL Rahul | Flexible top-order | Experience, adaptability | 33 | Moderate |
The social media response to Abhishek’s feat has been overwhelming. Hashtags like #AbhishekSharma82, #IndiaVsPakistan, and #RecordBreaker trended across platforms, with fans celebrating the emergence of a new hero in the storied rivalry.
Public Sentiment – Abhishek Sharma Breaks Yuvraj’s Record
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 2.8M mentions | 94% positive | #AbhishekSharma82 #RecordBreaker |
| 4.5M views | 91% positive | #IndiaVsPakistan #NextGenHero | |
| YouTube | 3.9M views | 89% positive | #HistoricKnock #WatchAbhishek |
| 2.1M interactions | 88% positive | #IndiaCricket #AsiaCup2025 |
As India prepares for the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka, Abhishek Sharma’s record-breaking knock has not only boosted team morale but also signaled the arrival of a fearless new generation. For fans, it was a moment of pride. For Yuvraj Singh, it was a passing of the torch. And for Abhishek, it was just the beginning.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match footage, player interviews, and expert commentary. It does not reflect any political endorsement or opinion. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
