"Back to his SRH mode"- Fans react to Abhishek Sharma's blistering knock in IND vs SA 2024 3rd T20I
Team India opener Abhishek Sharma starred with the bat in the third T20I of the four-match series against South Africa in Centurion on Wednesday, November 13. The southpaw notched up a quickfire half-century, helping the Men in Blue get off to a flying start.
The talented younger entertained viewers with a great exhibition of strokeplat. He countered the South African pacers with great aplomb, using the inside-out shot to target the off-side.
Abhishek crossed the 50-run mark in just 24 deliveries, hitting five sixes and three fours during his blistering knock. He was under pressure following back-to-back failures earlier in the series. However, the left-hander made amends with a fantastic half-century in the third fixture.
Several fans took to social media to laud the 24-year-old for his stunning batting exploits. Here are some of the top reactions:
Many Indian supporters were mighty impressed by Abhishek's fearless and attacking approach in the powerplay.
"Back to back single digit scores in this series still Abhishek sharma continues to show his aggression approach & scored 50(25) in today’s game. THE STAR BOY ABHISHEK SHARMA," wrote a fan.
"India should persist with Abhishek Sharma for longer time in T20Is. He has the capability to take the game away from any team singlehandedly," commented another.
"Back to his SRH MODE," chimed in yet another.
Abhishek Sharma departed soon after his half-century. He was out stumped while trying to take on left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj in the ninth over of the Indian innings.
Tilak Varma and Abhishek Sharma's knocks help India register 219/6 in 20 overs
After being asked to bat first, India were off to a dismal start with opener Sanju Samson bagging a duck. Abhishek and Tilak Varma shifted the momentum in the favor of the Men in Blue, stitching together a crucial 107-run partnership for the second wicket.
While Abhishek was dismissed after his half-century, Varma went on to hit his maiden T20I ton, remaining unbeaten on 107 in 56 balls. Debutant Ramandeep Singh also chipped in with an impactful 15-run cameo towards the back end of the innings.
India ultimately finished at 219/6 after 20 overs. Keshav Maharaj and Andile Simelane claimed two wickets each, while Marco Jansen returned with a solitary scalp.