Abhishek Sharma (Pic credit: BCCI)

NEW DELHI: Abhishek Sharma continued his love affair with explosive batting on Friday, rewriting the T20I record books during India’s opening match against Ireland in Belfast by becoming the first batter from a Full Member nation to score five half-centuries in 20 balls or fewer.The left-handed opener reached his latest fifty in just 19 deliveries, adding yet another breathtaking knock to his growing collection of whirlwind innings. No other batter from a Full Member side has managed the feat more than three times, placing Abhishek in a league of his own.Some of the biggest names in T20 cricket — including Yuvraj Singh, David Warner, Phil Salt, Colin Munro, Dasun Shanaka and Finn Allen — have each recorded only three such lightning-fast fifties.Abhishek reached the landmark in the eighth over with a controlled pull towards deep mid-wicket, earning warm applause from the Indian dressing room before acknowledging the appreciation with a thumbs-up.His innings also became the third-fastest T20I fifty ever scored against Ireland, behind Stephan Myburgh’s 17-ball effort in 2014 and Litton Das’ 18-ball blitz in 2023. Fastest T20I 50s vs Ireland (by balls)

Fireworks end soon after milestone

The celebrations, however, were short-lived. Three balls after bringing up his fifty, Abhishek fell for exactly 50 off just 20 balls, smashing seven fours and two sixes during another fearless display at the top of the order.Ireland pacer Liam McCarthy claimed his maiden T20I wicket when Abhishek mistimed a pull shot, with Matthew Humphreys completing the catch at deep mid-wicket.Despite the dismissal, the 25-year-old had already inflicted significant damage, giving India another flying start while underlining why he has become one of the world’s most destructive powerplay batters.Earlier, India’s pacers had laid the foundation by restricting Ireland to 182 for 9 after opting to field first.Harshit Rana starred with figures of 3 for 24, dismissing Tim Tector, Ross Adair and captain Lorcan Tucker, who top-scored with 50. Arshdeep Singh chipped in with two wickets, while Shivam Dube and Axar Patel also struck at crucial moments.Though Ireland recovered through Tucker and Gareth Delany, whose 49 threatened to push the hosts beyond 190, India’s disciplined bowling attack kept them in check.Abhishek then ensured the chase began in spectacular fashion. While his stay lasted only 20 balls, it was enough to produce another record, further cementing his reputation as one of T20 cricket’s most explosive opening batters.