In a match-up between India and Pakistan, there’s always a sense of something bigger than life. Fans are loud, the pressure is intense, and the stakes are final and thrilling. Some players live through the madness and can produce innings that will be remembered forever. A special one took place in the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 against Pakistan, when Abhishek Sharma hit a 24-ball fifty, obliterating the record prior and just slinging Pakistan bowling’s chaos on display for the fans!
Abhishek Sharma’s Record-Breaker (24 balls, 2025)
What a claim to make! Abhishek Sharma was not just batting for runs; he was making history. Chasing 172 in Dubai, the young left-hander came out with a purpose and never turned back. He produced a fifty in 24 balls, which is the fastest fifty by any Indian against Pakistan in a T20 International Cricket.
What made it different? Not only just the strokes, but purposeful, aggressive strokes. Six fours and five sensational sixes, all struck with pockets of cheek. Abhishek bravely took on Pakistan’s bowlers, even hitting the boundary off Saim Ayub to bring up fifty. Most importantly, his performance was the cornerstone for India’s six-wicket victory and cemented that he’s more than just a talented young player; he’s a proper winner.
Yuvraj Singh’s Fireworks (29 balls, 2012)
Before Abhishek took center stage, the title holder was always drawn to Yuvraj Singh, the man who prides himself on clutch moments. In 2012 in Ahmedabad, Yuvi turned back the clock, getting fifty in an astonishing 29 balls against Pakistan. He scored 72 in 36 balls on 7 sixes, which, in the view of the viewer’s experience, and in particular the humble observer, was a quicker version of sixes against world champion teams in the 2007 World Cup, as I am certain he did.
Yuvraj’s innings wasn’t simply about being fast—it was about taking control. He absolutely obliterated Sohail Tanvir for the record six, and proved that Yuvi can still light up a venue at any point. India won, and Yuvi was named Player of the Match.
Kohli’s Masterclasses (34 and 36 balls, 2016 & 2022)
No batting order involving India and Pakistan can do without Virat Kohli, the man who appears inevitable every time these two sides clash. Kohli even has two fifties at lightning speed on this list!
First, in the 2016 Eden Gardens outing, Kohli carved out a 55 off 34 balls. Others struggled on a pitch that turned and was difficult for batsmen, but made batting look ridiculously easy. This was a vintage chase-master performance, leading India to an easy win.
Then in Dubai, during the Asia Cup 2022, Kohli came up with another gem, this time a carefully constructed half-century off 36 balls. India lost the game, but Kohli’s innings was an important reminder (again) that Kohli is named the “chase king.” Kohli knows how to pace an innings, whether this is through the singles and doubles creaming like a gazelle, and then moving onto the bigger hitting.
FAQs
- Who holds the record for the fastest fifty by an Indian against Pakistan in T20Is?
Abhishek Sharma holds the record with a 24-ball fifty in the 2025 Asia Cup.
- Whose record did Abhishek Sharma break with his knock?
He broke Yuvraj Singh’s 29-ball fifty record from 2012.
- How many Indians feature in the top five fastest fifties against Pakistan?
Five Indians—Abhishek Sharma, Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli (twice), and Gautam Gambhir.
