Abhishek Sharma set a new record for the most sixes by a batter representing a full-member nation in T20 internationals in a calendar year during India’s fourth T20I against the West Indies in Hyderabad on Wednesday.The Indian opener hit his 69th six of 2026, going past former India captain Suryakumar Yadav’s record of 68, which he set in 2022.It took Abhishek 15 balls to clear the boundary for the first time in the match, doing so in the ninth over. Sanju Samson had dominated the strike early in the innings, while the West Indies bowlers kept Abhishek’s strike rate below 100 after the powerplay.Abhishek eventually broke free against Shamar Springer, stepping down the track to hit the ball over the boundary.It has been a mixed but productive year for the left-hander. He started 2026 with 84 off 35 balls against New Zealand in Nagpur, hitting eight sixes, before scoring an unbeaten 68 off just 20 balls, including five sixes, in Guwahati. However, a series of low scores, including five ducks in his first eight innings, slowed his progress.Earlier in the match, Shai Hope scored an unbeaten century to help the West Indies post 247/3 against India. Hope reached his hundred with a six off the final ball of the innings, putting the hosts’ bowling attack under pressure.Hope made 102 not out off 50 balls, while Sherfane Rutherford finished unbeaten on 49 off 26 deliveries. The pair added 91 runs for the fourth wicket in just 43 balls to take the West Indies to a strong total after they were asked to bat.The visitors hit 16 sixes and received 18 extras as India’s bowlers struggled to maintain consistency. Mayank Yadav and Arshdeep Singh conceded 52 runs each in their four overs, while missed chances in the field also hurt the hosts.Hope’s century was his second of the series, fourth on the tour and third in T20 internationals, continuing his strong run of form.
