NEW DELHI: In 2026, Suryakumar Yadav returned to his T20I game that had once troubled almost every cricketing nation around the world. Since then, he has looked unstoppable and fully in control, playing with the freedom and confidence.
In the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram, Suryakumar once again showed why he is considered one of the greatest batters in the shortest format of the game.
He brought up a stunning half-century off just 26 balls, displaying his extraordinary 360-degree game and clean striking all around the ground.
Surya adds another record to his name
During his explosive knock, Suryakumar achieved another major milestone by becoming the fastest player to reach 3000 T20I runs in terms of balls faced. The feat underlined his dominance and consistency at the international level.
Fastest to 3000 T20I runs (by balls faced):
Suryakumar Yadav – 1822 balls*
Muhammad Waseem – 1947 balls
Jos Buttler – 2068 balls
Aaron Finch – 2077 balls
A knock that set the game up
Suryakumar’s innings eventually came to an end at 63 runs from just 30 deliveries. He struck four fours and six sixes and finished with a massive strike rate of 210. One of the standout moments of his knock was taking 23 runs off pacer Lockie Ferguson, a clear sign that Surya has returned to his blistering best.
Before getting out, Suryakumar ensured a rapid 137-run partnership with Ishan Kishan, which came off only 57 balls and completely shifted the momentum in India’s favour.
