In an electrifying performance at the Harare Sports Club, Abhishek Sharma etched his name in the record books by scoring a record-breaking century in the second T20I against Zimbabwe. The young Indian cricketer’s century, noted for its explosive style, made him the fastest Indian player to reach a T20I century in terms of innings, surpassing Deepak Hooda (three innings) and KL Rahul (four innings).
Sharma’s journey to this milestone began with impressive performances in the IPL 2024, where his aggressive batting caught the eye of selectors and fans alike. In Harare, he continued this form, scoring his first 50 runs in 33 balls before unleashing a devastating assault to complete his century in just 13 more balls. His century was sealed in grand style with three consecutive sixes, a testament to his power and precision.
At 23 years and 307 days, Sharma joined an elite list of young Indian T20I centurions, trailing only Suresh Raina, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal in age. His blistering knock also made him the fourth fastest Indian to a T20I century, following Rohit Sharma (35 balls), Suryakumar Yadav (45 balls), and KL Rahul (46 balls).
IND vs ZIM 2nd T20I Match Report, Abhishek Sharma Stars
In a dominant display of power hitting and disciplined bowling, India trounced Zimbabwe by 100 runs in the second T20I at Harare, sealing the match and series with a comprehensive performance.
Winning the toss and opting to bat, India’s top order came out with aggressive intent. Despite an early loss of captain Shubman Gill, who Blessing Muzarabani dismissed for just 2 runs, Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad steadied the ship and then launched a brutal assault on the Zimbabwean bowlers. Abhishek was the star of the show, smashing 100 off just 47 balls, featuring 7 fours and 8 towering sixes. His aggressive stroke play and quick running between the wickets laid a solid foundation for India.
Gaikwad complemented Abhishek well, playing a well-paced innings of 77* off 47 balls, hitting 11 fours and 1 six. The duo put on a mammoth 137-run partnership for the second wicket, dismantling the Zimbabwean bowling attack. Rinku Singh added the finishing touches with a blistering 48* off 22 deliveries, which included 2 fours and 5 sixes, pushing India’s total to an imposing 234/2 in their allotted 20 overs.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batsmen, with Luke Jongwe conceding 53 runs in his 4 overs. Muzarabani was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 1/30, but he received little support from his teammates as the Indian batsmen took full advantage of the favorable batting conditions.
Chasing a formidable target of 235, Zimbabwe’s innings got off to a disastrous start, losing Innocent Kaia in the very first over to Mukesh Kumar. Wessly Madhevere showed some resistance with a 39-ball 43, but wickets kept tumbling at the other end. Mukesh Kumar was lethal with the new ball, taking 3/37, while Avesh Khan’s disciplined bowling resulted in 3 wickets for just 15 runs.
Zimbabwe’s middle and lower order collapsed under pressure, with only Brian Bennett providing a brief spark with a quick 26 off 9 balls. Ravi Bishnoi’s leg-spin was highly effective, claiming 2/11 in his 4 overs, as he stifled the Zimbabwean batsmen and accelerated their downfall. Washington Sundar also chipped in with a crucial wicket, further denting Zimbabwe’s chances.
Ultimately, Zimbabwe was bowled out for 134 in 18.4 overs, falling well short of the target. Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Match for his explosive century and contributions with the ball.
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