Abhishek Sharma scored his first Twenty20 century as India convincingly defeated Zimbabwe by 100 runs in the second T20 match on Sunday, leveling the five-game series at 1-1.
After a disappointing T20I debut on Saturday with a four-ball duck, Sharma bounced back strongly. He hit eight sixes and seven fours before being dismissed by Wellington Masakadza for 100 runs off just 47 balls.
In the series opener, Zimbabwe had surprised the newly crowned T20 world champions by winning by 13 runs.
On Sunday, Ruturaj Gaikwad remained unbeaten with 77 runs off 47 balls, while Rinku Singh contributed with a quickfire 48 not out off 22 balls. India, opting to bat first, drastically improved their batting performance from the first T20 to finish at 234-2.
In response, Zimbabwe struggled and was bowled out for 134 runs in 18.4 overs. Pacers Avesh Khan (3-15) and Mukesh Kumar (3-37) took six wickets between them, while wrist spinner Ravi Bishnoi claimed 2-11 in his four overs.
India captain Shubman Gill (2) was dismissed early, but Gaikwad was dropped by Muzarabani early in the innings, which proved crucial.
Sharma played a dominant role, forging a 137-run partnership off 76 balls with Gaikwad. He reached his half-century in 33 balls and accelerated to his century in just 46 balls before getting out. Sharma’s second fifty came off only 13 deliveries, completing his century in the 14th over with three consecutive sixes off Masakadza.
After Sharma’s dismissal, Singh joined Gaikwad, and together they added 87 runs off the last 36 balls.
“It wasn’t easy for us after the loss yesterday. I felt today was my day, and I made the most of it,” Sharma said. “As a young player, you always want to show what you can do. I have confidence in my abilities.”
