Abhishek Sharma’s maiden hundred in the 2nd T20I helps India win against Zimbabwe

Summary: India roared back into the series with a huge 100-run victory over Zimbabwe in Harare. Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad ran the show as India tied the series on Sunday, July 7.

On Sunday, July 7, the young Indian team mounted an amazing comeback in the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. Thanks to Abhishek Sharma's spectacular century, India defeated Zimbabwe by 100 runs in the second T20I encounter in Harare. Zimbabwe did not enter the game after the first ten overs of the first inning. After conceding a record 234 runs, the hosts were bowled out for 134 runs by Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, and Mukesh Kumar with their flawless performances.

Abhishek Sharma, 23, scored his first T20I century. With India trailing 0-1 in the series, Abhishek lit up the field with some spectacular shots, scoring a century in just 46 balls. Sharma brought hope to the transforming Indian side, which saw three pillars retire from the format immediately following the T20 World Cup 2024 victory.

On Saturday, Zimbabwe opened the bowling with Brian Bennett, who used off-spin against India's left-hand rookie, and Abhishek was out for a duck in the first over. The same contest began the second T20I when India chose to bat, and Abhishek scored his first international run with the first fair ball he faced, driving it for six.

Abhishek Sharma's mentality injected new life into the Indian team, as the young man chased whatever came his way. The batter revealed his approach during the post-match presentation ceremony, stating it was his day today.

The left-hander, who has had two successful Indian Premier League seasons with SRH, stated that if the ball falls in his arc, he will never back down from attacking it.

"I believe it was a nice performance on my part; the defeat we suffered yesterday made things difficult for us. I thought it was my day, and I made it count. I believe that T20 is all about momentum, and I rode it to the end. Special thanks to the coach and team management; as a youngster, I always believe that if it is your day, you must express yourself. We were talking after each ball, and he suggested that I take it on. Whether it's in my arc or the first ball, I always believe in my abilities," Sharma said during the post-match awards ceremony.