"One Sharma retired from T20I cricket, the other Sharma took over" - Fans react to Abhishek Sharma's blistering 100 in IND vs ZIM 2nd T20I
Team India opener Abhishek Sharma delivered a sensational batting performance in the side's second T20I of the five-match series against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club on Sunday, July 7. Playing in just his second T20I, the southpaw notched up his maiden century.
Abhishek was dismissed for a four-ball duck on his T20I debut. However, he made amends with his blistering knock in the subsequent fixture. The left-handed batter finished with 100 runs off just 47 deliveries.
The talented youngster dazzled the viewers by taking the Zimbabwean bowlers to the cleaners, striking eight sixes and seven fours during his stay at the crease. Abhishek earned widespread praise on social media for his stunning batting exploits.
Here are some of the top reactions:
Many Indian supporters were thrilled to see Abhishek's fearless approach and predicted a bright future for the 23-year-old.
"Just another Opener Sharma at the brink of a stellar career in future for India. Abhishek Sharma, remember the name. You'll hear the name multiple times in future for Indian cricket." commented a fan.
"A star is born in Harare- Abhishek Sharma, what a talent!" wrote another.
"One Sharma retired from T20I cricket, the other Sharma took over." chimed in yet another.
It is worth mentioning that Abhishek played a few quick-fire knocks for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024). With 484 runs from 16 outings at a fantastic strike rate of 204.21, he was SRH's second-highest run-getter of the season.
Abhishek Sharma completed his century with a hattrick of sixes in IND vs ZIM 2nd T20I
Abhishek Sharma crossed the 100-run mark in some style, completing a hattrick of sixes in the 14th over of the Indian innings. Left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza bore the brunt of the swashbuckling batter's onslaught.
On the third ball of the over, Abhishek sent the ball over the mid-wicket boundary for a maximum. He picked the same region on the next delivery as well, this time advancing down the track and clearing the fence with ease.
Masakadza seemed rattled by the back-to-back sixes and ended up bowling a low full toss, which Abhishek flicked for a six to complete his century. However, he was dismissed on the final ball of the same over, getting caught by Dion Myers at backward point.