IND vs ZIM 2nd T20I: Abhishek Sharma Maiden Century Powers India to a 100-Run Victory
A day after suffering a surprising defeat in Harare, the Shubman Gill-led Indian cricket team made a stunning comeback with a dominant 100-run win against Zimbabwe, leveling the five-match T20 series at 1-1. Abhishek Sharma’s blazing maiden century, along with an unbeaten 87-run partnership between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rinku Singh, propelled India to a formidable total of 234 runs in their allotted 20 overs. The Indian bowlers, led by Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan, then bundled out Zimbabwe for 134, sealing the victory with eight balls to spare. This marked India’s largest margin of victory against Zimbabwe in T20 Internationals in terms of runs.
The young Indian side showed no signs of being weighed down by the disappointment of their 13-run loss in the series opener. Left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma combined power and elegance in his scintillating 100-run innings, which laid the foundation for India’s massive total. On a pitch where batting wasn’t easy, Abhishek’s performance stood out, especially during his 137-run partnership for the second wicket with Ruturaj Gaikwad. His knock featured eight sixes and seven fours, overshadowing Gaikwad’s own impressive 77 not out off 47 balls.
Abhishek’s innings not only showcased his talent but also posed a selection dilemma for captain Shubman Gill and stand-in coach VVS Laxman, particularly with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s availability for the third game. After his spectacular century, it’s hard to imagine Abhishek being left out of the playing XI. Despite getting out for a four-ball duck on his debut, Abhishek appeared unpressured and confident on a track that Gaikwad described as challenging.
Abhishek’s fearless approach was a highlight of his innings. He took calculated risks, which paid off handsomely and allowed Gaikwad to settle in after a shaky start. One significant moment came when Abhishek was on 27; he was dropped by Wellington Masakadza off Luke Jongwe’s bowling. Seizing the opportunity, he continued to build his innings, starting his international run tally with a pulled six off spinner Brian Bennett, who had dismissed him the previous day. Abhishek’s half-century came with another pulled six off medium pacer Dion Myers, during an over that cost Zimbabwe 28 runs, opening the floodgates for India in the final 10 overs.
Among the many memorable shots from Abhishek’s innings was an inside-out six off rival captain Sikandar Raza, which he lofted over the extra cover boundary. This stroke epitomized his elegance, while his consecutive sixes off left-arm spinner Masakadza showcased his raw power. Abhishek reached his century with a six off a leg-stump full-toss, but was dismissed on the next ball. On his return to the dugout, he was warmly congratulated by his skipper and close friend Shubman Gill, who had another subdued outing.
Zimbabwe’s fielding woes compounded their troubles, as they also dropped a catch of Gaikwad, who capitalized on the reprieve. Gaikwad then carried forward the momentum, scoring 87 runs off 36 balls with Rinku Singh, who remained unbeaten on 48 off 22 balls, including five sixes. The partnership added 87 runs for the third wicket, helping India achieve their highest T20 total against Zimbabwe, surpassing their previous best of 186. This performance was a fitting response after their unexpected batting collapse in the first game.
India’s bowlers complemented the batsmen’s efforts by taking regular wickets and ensuring Zimbabwe never got close to the challenging target. Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan were particularly effective, dismantling Zimbabwe’s top order during the Powerplay, making the contest a mere formality. Kumar finished with figures of 3/37, while Khan impressed with 3/15. Their early breakthroughs set the tone for the rest of the innings, with the hosts being bowled out in 18.4 overs.
This comprehensive victory not only leveled the series but also showcased the depth and resilience of the young Indian side. With two more matches to go, the team will look to build on this momentum and secure the series win. Abhishek Sharma’s maiden international hundred will be remembered as the highlight of this match, a performance that signals his arrival on the big stage.