Abhishek Sharma, aged 23, smashed a blistering century off just 46 deliveries against Zimbabwe in only his second T20 International, bouncing back emphatically after a disappointing debut duck. The turnaround at Harare Sports Club from one day to the next was stark for Sikandar Raza’s Zimbabwean squad, who had stunned India in the previous T20I.
On Saturday, Abhishek’s aggressive batting was silenced early by Brian Bennett’s off-spin, as he fell for a duck attempting a maximum. Adjusting quickly to the conditions in Harare, different from those in Hyderabad where he excelled in the IPL earlier in the year, Abhishek showed resilience in his approach when India batted first in the subsequent match.
Despite a cautious start, Abhishek ensured his innings began with a six off Bennett, the same bowler who had dismissed him previously. With his senior partner Shubman Gill departing early, Abhishek adopted a more measured approach during the Powerplay, wary of potential collapses.
As the innings progressed, Abhishek showcased his versatile aggression, filling the void left by senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. He steadied the innings with singles and capitalized on opportunities, including a dropped chance on 24, to accelerate the scoring. His innings accelerated dramatically in the ninth over, highlighted by a flurry of boundaries and sixes off Zimbabwean bowlers.
Abhishek reached his maiden T20I century in just 13 deliveries after his half-century, making him the fastest Indian to achieve this milestone in terms of innings played. His innings was marked by Chris Gayle-esque hitting, particularly evident in three consecutive sixes off Wellington Masakadza that propelled him from 82 to 100.
In addition to his power hitting through mid-wicket and long-on, Abhishek’s off-side strokeplay, including inside-out sixes over cover, showcased his all-round batting prowess. His innings of 100 runs off 47 balls, including 7 fours and 8 sixes, set the template for India’s commanding total of 234 for two, their highest against Zimbabwe.
Despite a shortage of frontline bowlers, India successfully defended their imposing total, restricting Zimbabwe well short of the target and erasing memories of their previous defeat.
