A surprising strike of immediate match-up and unrealistic performance a day after chafing defeat

India bounced back surprisingly in the second T20I, scoring 234/2 and restricting Zimbabwe to 134, securing a 100-run victory

The immediately aligned Ind vs Zim match’s highlight was Abhishek Sharma’s explosive maiden international century, scoring 100 off 47 balls. His performance showcased the emerging Gen X batting prowess of Indian cricket. India struggled in the first T20I against Zimbabwe on Saturday and couldn’t chase down 116. However, on Sunday at the same venue, the Indian team rebounded with a powerful performance. Abhishek Sharma’s innings included seven fours and eight sixes, reaching his century in just 46 balls. This achievement marks the third-fastest T20I century by an Indian, following Rohit Sharma (35 balls) and Suryakumar Yadav (45 balls). Abhishek had a fortunate break when Wellington Masakadza dropped a catch off Luke Jongwe when he was on 27.

The 23-year-old displayed aggressive batting, including a 28-run off Dion Myers and three consecutive sixes against Masakadza to reach his hundred. His mentor, Yuvraj Singh, would undoubtedly be proud of his performance. Ruturaj Gaikwad supported Abhishek well, remaining unbeaten on 77 off 47 balls and forming a 137-run second-wicket partnership. Gaikwad praised Abhishek’s performance, noting his strategic choice of bowlers and effective spin-handling. “He chose the right bowlers and took on spin well,” Gaikwad told the host broadcaster during the innings break. He added that they discussed maintaining their form on the two-paced wicket, emphasizing the significance of Abhishek’s innings in the game context. This match demonstrated India’s potential and resilience, leveling the series and highlighting the promising future of their young cricketers.