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Abhishek Sharma Stuns Netizens With Blistering Maiden T20I Century Against Zimbabwe
By CricShots - Jul 7, 2024 6:03 pm
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In a thrilling display of batting prowess, India’s opening batsman Abhishek Sharma smashed his first T20I century off just 46 balls in his second appearance against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday. The young left-hander walked to the crease with determination after India won the toss and elected to bat. His initial approach was cautious, especially following the early dismissal of skipper Shubman Gill. However, Abhishek soon found his rhythm and reached his half-century in 33 balls.

Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma scored his maiden T20I century

Abhishek’s journey to this milestone was far from smooth. He had a forgettable debut the day before, where he was dismissed for a duck. This unfortunate start made him only the fourth Indian, after legends like MS Dhoni, KL Rahul, and Prithvi Shaw, to get out for zero on their T20I debut. Despite this setback, Abhishek showed immense resilience and a strong will to succeed.

On Sunday, Abhishek quickly turned his fortunes around. Partnering with Ruturaj Gaikwad, he began to rebuild India’s innings. His confidence was evident when he opened his account with a towering six over deep mid-wicket off the bowling of Brian Bennett.

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Although he faced a moment of luck when he was dropped by Wellington Masakadza at 24 in the eighth over, Abhishek capitalized on the opportunity. He unleashed his aggressive batting style in the 11th over, hammering medium-pacer Dion Myers for 26 runs, including three fours and two sixes.

Abhishek’s remarkable acceleration saw him double his score in no time, setting a new record as the fastest Indian to score a T20I hundred from debut, surpassing Deepak Hooda’s achievement. He reached this milestone by hitting three consecutive sixes off Masakadza before being dismissed on the next ball, caught at backward point.

 

His performance not only put him in the record books alongside South Africa’s Richard Levi and West Indies’s Evin Lewis, who also scored their maiden T20I centuries in their second matches, but also highlighted his potential on the international stage.

Abhishek’s stellar performance came on the heels of an impressive IPL 2024 season with Sunrisers Hyderabad. He amassed 484 runs in 16 matches, boasting a phenomenal strike rate of 204.22. His 42 sixes in the season were the most by any Indian player in a single edition of the tournament, showcasing his explosive batting capabilities.

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This innings against Zimbabwe marked a significant turnaround for Abhishek Sharma, setting the stage for what promises to be a promising career in international cricket.

Youngest Indians to score a Men’s T20I hundred:

  • 21y 279d – Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Nepal, 2023
  • 23y 146d – Shubman Gill vs New Zealand, 2023
  • 23y 156d – Suresh Raina vs South Africa, 2010
  • 23y 307d – Abhishek Sharma vs Zimbabwe, 2024

Tags Abhishek SharmaHarare Sports ClubIndia cricketNetizens reactionT20I centuryZimbabwe vs India

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