In a thrilling Super 8 encounter at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, India posted a formidable 256 for 4 against Zimbabwe, with opener Abhishek Sharma stealing the spotlight. The 25-year-old left-hander smashed a brisk 55 off just 30 balls, featuring four towering sixes and four boundaries. This explosive knock marked a turning point for Sharma, who had endured a tough tournament so far.
Sharma’s joy was palpable as he reflected on his performance during the mid-innings chat with broadcasters. ‘I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time,’ he said, his voice brimming with relief and excitement. ‘I’m genuinely thrilled. I just wanted to spend some time on the pitch because I haven’t faced even 10-12 balls in the entire tournament yet.’
The young batter’s struggles were no secret. He had been dismissed for ducks three times in the league stage and even missed a game against Namibia due to a stomach infection that landed him in a New Delhi hospital. Yet, against Zimbabwe, he converted a promising start into a vital half-century in 26 balls, a knock that could prove crucial in India’s semifinal push.
Grateful for the unwavering support from his teammates, Sharma credited their encouragement. ‘The team has backed me tremendously, in practice sessions and at the hotel. They kept reminding me that I’ve done it before and my time is coming. I just had to keep believing,’ he shared.
As India’s innings accelerated in the death overs, drawing comparisons to a video game, Sharma endorsed the aggressive approach. ‘That’s exactly the intent we wanted back – the way we’ve played all year. Our plan was clear: if we’ve seen enough balls, go express yourself. We discussed it yesterday and in practice the day before. As a batting unit, we’ll keep supporting each other this way.’
This resurgence not only boosted Sharma’s confidence but also signaled India’s batting firepower returning to form at a critical juncture in the T20 World Cup.