Suryakumar Yadav has made history in the world of T20I cricket by becoming the fastest Indian player to hit 100 sixes in the format. The talented Indian batter achieved this milestone during India’s third T20I match against the West Indies at Guyana.
In the thrilling match, India was chasing a target of 160 runs. Suryakumar showcased his fine form by smashing 83 runs off just 44 balls, which included 10 fours and four sixes. His impressive innings came at a stunning strike rate of over 188. This feat helped him reach the 100 T20I sixes mark in just 49 innings, making him the quickest Indian player to accomplish this remarkable feat. The title of the fastest player to reach 100 T20I sixes still belongs to West Indies’ Evin Lewis.
Apart from this impressive record, Suryakumar also surpassed Shikhar Dhawan to become India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in T20I cricket. In his 51 T20I appearances and 49 innings, Suryakumar has amassed 1,780 runs at an average of 45.64. He has scored three centuries and 14 half-centuries, with his highest score being 117. His explosive batting has come at a remarkable strike rate of over 174. On the other hand, Shikhar Dhawan has scored 1,759 runs in 68 matches at an average of 27.92 and a strike rate of over 126, with 11 fifties to his name.
The top three run-scorers in T20I cricket for India are KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli. KL Rahul sits at the top with 2,265 runs in 72 matches at an average of 37.75, including two centuries and 22 fifties. Rohit Sharma has accumulated 3,853 runs in 148 matches at an average of 31.32, with four centuries and 29 fifties. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli boasts 4,008 runs in 115 matches, with an impressive average of 52.73, one century, and 37 fifties.
This victory against the West Indies in the third T20I helped India keep the series alive, trailing 2-1. The West Indies team set a target of 160 runs after posting 159/5 in their 20 overs. India faced some early setbacks, losing openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill cheaply. However, Suryakumar’s explosive innings, along with Tilak Varma’s crucial contribution, helped India reach the 100-run mark. Suryakumar’s dismissal after scoring 83 runs provided an opportunity for Tilak Varma to shine, as he scored an unbeaten 49 runs off 37 balls. Hardik Pandya’s solid knock of 20 not out sealed the win for India.
Suryakumar Yadav was rightfully named the Player of the Match for his outstanding half-century. This was his twelfth such award in just 51 T20I appearances, making him joint second with Rohit Sharma for the most Player of the Match awards for India. Virat Kohli leads the chart with 15 such awards to his name.
India will now look forward to the remaining two matches of the series with the aim of clinching a victory. The team will be inspired by Suryakumar Yadav’s incredible batting form and hopes to build on this triumph. With their sights set on a series win, the Indian team will give their all on the field.
