India opener Abhishek Sharma scripted his name into the record books for the wrong reasons as he was dismissed for a golden duck against Japan in the one-off T20I at Sano on Tuesday, 22 September. The left-hander, who had scored a 30-ball century against Afghanistan five days previously, was dismissed by Charlie Hara-Hinze on the sixth ball of India's innings. Abhishek's latest duck takes his overall tally to 10 in T20 cricket in 2026, the highest by any player in a single calendar year. After facing a huge scare, India secured a two-run victory over Japan in the rain-shortened five-over contest. The reigning T20 world champions were restricted to 32/4 before Japan managed a score of 30/3. Abhishek Sharma Becomes First Player With 10 T20 Ducks in a Year Abhishek's poor day with the bat against Japan saw him become the first player to record 10 ducks in T20 cricket in a single calendar year. The previous record was nine ducks, recorded by Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan in 2019 and Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan in 2024. Abhishek Sharma's unwanted record: Abhishek Sharma - 10 T20 ducks in 2026 Rashid Khan - 9 T20 ducks in 2019 Shadab Khan - 9 T20 ducks in 2024 Abhishek has seven ducks in T20Is alone in 2026 He became the first player to reach 10 T20 ducks in one calendar year The record has come at a time when the Indian batter has scored some of his best knocks for the national side in recent weeks. Having hit India's fastest-ever T20I hundred on 30 balls against Afghanistan on September 17, Abhishek seemed destined to continue his fine form. Also Read | India Escape Historic Upset Against Japan After Controversial Umpiring Decision India Survive Massive Scare Against Japan India's potent batting line-up failed to find their touch in the contest that was shortened to five overs due to rain. Abhishek failed to score any runs, while only captain Shreyas Iyer passed double figures. Iyer hit 16 from 12 balls as India were bowled out for 32/4. Hara-Hinze was the best bowler for Japan with figures of 2/17. In reply, Japan fought India all the way before needing eight runs from the final over. Axar Patel held his nerve to defend the total, and India registered a two-run success, scoring 30/3 in their innings. The golden duck was a major turnaround for Abhishek after his sensational series against Afghanistan. He had scored 82 in the opening T20I before following up with 39 and his record-breaking century in the third contest.