In a thrilling Super-8 encounter in Chennai, Abhishek Sharma rediscovered his touch, crafting a match-defining 55 off 30 balls against Zimbabwe. This knock came after a dismal run of four low scores in T20 World Cup 2026, helping India post 256/4 and clinch a 72-run triumph on Thursday.
Sunil Gavaskar, the batting maestro, dissected Sharma’s success on air. ‘He altered his technique brilliantly—patiently waiting for the bowler’s release, with controlled bat speed and perfect balance powering his strokes,’ Gavaskar said on Star Sports. It was a stark contrast to Sharma’s prior form, marred by three consecutive zeros post-stomach troubles amid mounting scrutiny.
Sharma’s body language screamed confidence. A single off the first ball set the tone: stay put, build the innings. With Sanju Samson (24 off 15), he forged a 48-run stand. Post-Samson, aggression flowed—massive hits against Maposa, Bennett, and Ngarava propelled India to 80 by powerplay’s close. Fifty came in 26 balls.
Sharma fell at 55, but Hardik Pandya’s unbeaten 50 off 23 and Tilak Varma’s 44 off 16 fired up the middle order. An 84-run partnership and 80 runs in the final five overs dazzled. Zimbabwe’s chase crumbled at 184, Brian Bennett’s 97 not enough against Arshdeep Singh’s three strikes.
This victory sharpens India’s net run rate, setting up a high-stakes Kolkata showdown with West Indies for semifinal spot.