Chennai’s Chepauk roared back to life as Abhishek Sharma delivered a match-defining half-century, propelling India to 256/4 in their Super 8 showdown with Zimbabwe. The explosive opener’s 55-run blitz off 30 deliveries – laced with four fours and four sixes – erased memories of his earlier tournament woes.
‘Been waiting ages for this,’ Sharma beamed in his post-knock interview. The 25-year-old had faced relentless setbacks: three golden ducks in league play and a hospital stint in Delhi for a stomach bug that sidelined him against Namibia. But on Thursday, he struck a fifty in 26 balls, a timely boost for India’s semifinal aspirations.
Detailing his mindset, Sharma emphasized the value of time at the crease. ‘I hadn’t played more than 10-12 balls all tournament. Just wanted to hang in there and contribute. Feels amazing when you do it for the team.’
He showered praise on his squad’s solidarity. ‘They’ve treated me like gold – practice, hotel, everywhere. Everyone was waiting for this moment, telling me to trust my game because I’ve nailed it before.’
The final overs turned into a spectacle, with India’s finish likened to a gaming frenzy. ‘Spot on,’ Sharma agreed. ‘That’s our intent returning, just like all season. Plan was set yesterday: see the ball, then unleash. We prepped it in practice too. As batters, expression is key, and we’ll back each other relentlessly.’
Sharma’s knock wasn’t just personal redemption; it underscored India’s depth and hunger, setting the tone for high-stakes battles ahead in the T20 World Cup.