Sunrisers Hyderabad’s young batting sensation, Abhishek Sharma, made history in the IPL 2025 season during a match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 19. The left-handed opener blazed his way to 59 runs off just 20 balls, playing a crucial role in SRH’s successful chase of a challenging 206-run target. With this explosive innings, Abhishek Sharma became the first cricketer in T20 history to register four half-centuries in fewer than 20 balls, a truly exceptional achievement.
Most 50s In Less Than 20 Balls in IPL History
| Player | 50 in Less Than 20 Balls For One Team | Team |
| Abhishek Sharma | 4 | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| Nicholas Pooran | 3 | Lucknow Super Giants |
| Jake-Fraser Mcgurk | 3 | Delhi Capitals |
Interestingly, both Nicholas Pooran and Travis Head have also notched up five fifties each in 20 balls or fewer. However, Abhishek sets himself apart by being the first to accomplish multiple such rapid-fire fifties across two separate IPL seasons.
The match, held at the Ekana stadium in Lucknow, was crucial for both teams. LSG needed a win to stay in playoff contention, while SRH aimed to strengthen their position. Abhishek opened the innings alongside Atharva Taide and took LSG bowlers apart from the very beginning. His innings included four consecutive sixes in one over off Ravi Bishnoi, which turned the momentum completely in SRH’s favor.
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He reached his fifty in just 18 balls, his fourth of the season in under 20 deliveries, setting a new record. No player in IPL or global T20 history has ever achieved this before. Abhishek’s fearless stroke play combined with a composed mindset under pressure made a significant impact, playing a pivotal role in SRH’s six-wicket win that knocked LSG out of playoff contention.
The innings was not a one-off. Abhishek Sharma has been in outstanding form throughout the 2025 IPL season. Earlier, he had already made headlines by scoring a stunning 141 off 55 balls against Punjab Kings, the highest score by an Indian in IPL history. That century came during a successful chase of 246 runs, marking it as one of the finest T20 innings ever played.
With this 59-run knock against LSG, Abhishek has made 373 runs in the season, becoming one the top run-scorers for the team. His consistent ability to deliver quick starts has been a crucial part of SRH’s high-scoring matches this season.
Coming from Amritsar, Abhishek made his IPL debut in 2018, but it’s in the past couple of seasons that he has truly come into his own. His improved game, hard-hitting skills, and growing maturity have made him a valuable asset. Trained and mentored by legends like Yuvraj Singh, he has shown that he can rise to the occasion and handle pressure on the biggest stage.
Still only 24, Abhishek Sharma has already accomplished a great deal in the T20 format. His unique achievement of scoring four fifties in under 20 balls this season highlights his explosive talent and ability to win matches. Although SRH is out of the playoff race the season has been fabulous for Abhishek Sharma. For Indian cricket, he is fast becoming a name to watch for the future.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
