Abhishek Sharma Surpasses Kohli, Equals Yuvraj in Asian Games Final
Abhishek Sharma's explosive 61 in the Asian Games final equals Yuvraj Singh's record and surpasses Virat Kohli's tally of sixes against Pakistan.
In a breathtaking display of power hitting during the 2026 Asian Games men's cricket gold medal match, Indian opener Abhishek Sharma has etched his name into the history books. His explosive innings against arch-rivals Pakistan did more than just propel India toward victory; it shattered long-standing records held by some of the greatest names in Indian cricket.
A Record-Breaking Knock in Aichi-Nagoya
Facing Pakistan in the high-stakes final in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, the 26-year-old Sharma smashed a blistering 61 runs off just 28 deliveries. His innings, characterized by a strike rate of 217.68, featured seven towering sixes and three boundaries, proving to be the backbone of India's massive total of 211/6.
This performance has placed Sharma in the elite company of legends:
- Equalling Yuvraj Singh: By hitting seven sixes in a single innings against Pakistan, Abhishek has matched the legendary Yuvraj Singh's record for the most sixes in an innings in India-Pakistan T20Is. Yuvraj achieved this feat in Ahmedabad back in 2012.
- Surpassing Virat Kohli: With this knock, Abhishek's total tally of sixes against Pakistan in T20Is has reached 14, officially moving him ahead of former superstar Virat Kohli, who had 11 sixes against the rivals.
Dominating the Sixes Department
Abhishek Sharma is rapidly becoming the most feared power-hitter in the shortest format. His ability to clear the ropes has set new benchmarks for efficiency and volume.
The Race for Most Sixes in a Calendar Year:
Abhishek has already hit 104 sixes in 2026, continuing his incredible momentum from 2025, where he recorded 108 sixes. He currently sits at the top of the list for Indian batters, ahead of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (90 in 2026) and Suryakumar Yadav (85 in 2022).
Elite Speed to Milestones:
The opener has also entered an exclusive club for reaching 100 sixes in a calendar year in the fewest balls. He reached the mark in just 651 balls in 2026, trailing only West Indian powerhouse Andre Russell (589 balls in 2019). Furthermore, Sharma has climbed the global ladder for reaching 400 T20 sixes in the fewest balls, achieving the feat in 3,513 deliveries—faster than legends Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard.
India's Gold Medal Surge
The onslaught from Abhishek Sharma was complemented by a fierce partnership with Tilak Varma, who struck an unbeaten 51 off just 22 balls. Together, they dismantled the Pakistani bowling attack to set a daunting target of 211.
Despite the onslaught, Pakistan managed to claim two wickets each through Ahmed Daniyal and Arafat Minhas, but the mountain of runs proved too steep for the opposition in the gold medal clash.