Chennai, February 27: Indian cricket team opener Abhishek Sharma made a remarkable comeback in the T20 World Cup 2026 after struggling in his previous four innings. In the Super-8 match against Zimbabwe on Thursday, he scored a half-century, providing a strong start for the team and laying the foundation for a high score.
Abhishek scored 55 runs off 30 balls, helping India reach a total of 256 runs for the loss of four wickets. Former captain Sunil Gavaskar praised Abhishek’s performance, stating on Star Sports after the match, “Abhishek showed a change in his technique and waited for the bowler to release the ball. His bat speed was controlled and balanced, which added strength to his shots.”
Before this match, Abhishek had been struggling with poor form, having been dismissed for zero in three consecutive matches due to a stomach issue. Criticism was mounting, and there was pressure on the team. However, in this game, his body language was noticeably different. He signaled his intent by taking a single off the very first ball, indicating he would not rush. The message from the dressing room was clear—stay at the crease and build the innings.
Alongside Sanju Samson, he added 48 runs for the first wicket. Samson contributed 24 runs off 15 balls, easing the pressure. After Samson’s dismissal, Abhishek adopted an aggressive approach, hitting big shots off Tinotenda Maposa, Brian Bennett, and Richard Ngarava. By the end of the powerplay, India had reached 80 runs, with Abhishek completing his fifty in just 26 balls.
Abhishek was eventually out after scoring 55 runs, but he had given the team a solid start. Following his innings, Hardik Pandya scored an unbeaten 50 runs off 23 balls, while Tilak Varma added 44 runs off 16 balls. The duo put together 84 runs for the fifth wicket, and in the last five overs, India amassed 80 runs.
In response, Zimbabwe could only manage 184 runs. Brian Bennett played a brilliant innings, scoring 97 runs, but Arshdeep Singh took three wickets, sealing the match for India.
This victory improved India’s net run rate and made the race for the semifinals more exciting. The upcoming match against the West Indies in Kolkata will be crucial.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.