Raining sixes: 3 Instances of maximum sixes hit in T20Is involving India
T20 has indeed become a fan-favourite format over the years as the game doesn’t tend to slow down at any phase. Players also require skill sets to thrive in the shortest international format. While bowlers need to have yorkers, bouncers and several variations in their arsenal, batsmen are assigned to play shots in order to score quick runs. For the same reason, six-hitting has been an important aspect of T20 cricket.
However, clearing the ropes isn’t a bread-and-butter task as a batsman requires both power and timing to send the ball over the ropes. Nevertheless, there have been many batters who have done this job brilliantly. Many Indian batters have also tormented prominent bowlers with their six-hitting skills. At times, however, Indian bowlers have also been taken to cleaners.
Here, we look back at 3 Instances involving India when maximum sixes were scored in T20Is
India vs West Indies in Mumbai, 2019 – 28 sixes
Indian batters were on a roll during the first T20I of the 2019 home series against West Indies. The visitors elected to field first after winning the toss in Mumbai but the decision proved to be terrible. Openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul cleared boundaries for fun. Skipper Virat Kohli also joined the party later as India posted a mountain of 240/3.
In reply, West Indies never really looked in the chase and were restricted to 173/8, losing the game by 67 runs. A total of 28 sixes were recorded in the game – 21 by India, 7 by West Indies.
India vs Sri Lanka in Indore, 2017 – 31 sixes
Rohit Sharma unleashed mayhem when India hosted Sri Lanka in the second T20I of the 2017 series. Sri Lanka, after winning the toss, asked India to bat throughout the game and regretted it later. Rohit smashed a hundred off 35 deliveries, joint-fastest for anyone in T20I history. His opening partner KL Rahul also made a quick-fire 89 as the home team posted 260/5.
In reply, Sri Lanka tried to put up a fight but were skittled out for 173, suffering an 88-run defeat. 31 sixes were witnessed in the contest – 21 by India, 10 by Sri Lanka.
India vs West Indies in Lauderhill, 2016 – 32 sixes
Bowlers had a horrendous time during the first T20I of the 2016 T20 series between India and West Indies. The match took place in Lauderhill, USA and India elected to field first. Caribbean opener Evin Lewis attacked bowlers from the outset and scored a fiery century. Besides him, Johnson Charles scored 79 in no time. Riding on their efforts, West Indies posted 245/6.
In reply, Indian batters put up a commendable score as the six-hitting spree continued. While Rohit Sharma made 62 off 28 balls, KL Rahul smashed his maiden T20I ton. Their efforts, however, went in vain as India narrowly lost by 1 runs Notably, 32 sixes were smashed in the game – 11 from Indian players’ blade, 20 from the West Indies team.