Abhishek Sharma made a grand entry onto the international stage for India with a stunning century against Zimbabwe on Sunday (July 7) in the 2nd T20I of the five-match series. His century came off just 46 balls in Harare, showcasing a remarkable comeback after a disappointing four-ball duck in the first T20I of the series.

Abhishek Sharma’s explosive century

From the outset, Abhishek was aggressive, starting his innings with a six-over deep square leg and continuing to dominate the Zimbabwe bowling attack. He particularly targeted the spinners, dispatching them to all corners of the park throughout his innings. His century marked him as the 10th Indian cricketer to achieve this feat in T20Is, becoming the first to do so against Zimbabwe. His 46-ball century stands as the third fastest by an Indian in the T20I format, with Rohit Sharma leading the list with a 35-ball hundred.

Also READ: ZIM vs IND: Reason why there’s only one star on Team India jersey

Aggressive batting display against Zimbabwe

During his knocj, Abhishek smashed a total of 8 sixes and 7 fours, maintaining his aggressive approach throughout. Despite a stroke of luck when dropped on 27 in the 8th over, he capitalized on his opportunities. He notably took apart Dion Myers for 28 runs in one over and Wellington Masakadza for 21 runs in another. Abhishek reached his century with a six, mirroring how he began his innings, sweeping Masakadza through fine leg in the 14th over. Unfortunately, he got out attempting another big shot on the very next ball after reaching his milestone.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Jaiswal and Abhishek, what opening pair that would be!!

— Akash Deshpande (@akashd7781) July 7, 2024

Abhishek Sharma. #4. Centurion for #TeamIndia 🥹🧡#ZIMvIND pic.twitter.com/CTvygsbMhE

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) July 7, 2024

3 consecutive sixes to reach your first intl hundred after getting a duck on debut, Abhishek Sharma has arrived 🥵 pic.twitter.com/hB1PvKMCmK

— cricket is ALIVE (@anubhav__tweets) July 7, 2024

Mentored by Yuvraj Singh. Got to his maiden T20I hundred with 3 sixes! 🤌

Abhishek Sharma is here to write his own story! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/JswR4WFBUH

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) July 7, 2024

Abhishek Sharma off the mark with a six in international cricket. No wonder he is a fan of Yuvraj Singh. pic.twitter.com/zplS83C5cI

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) July 7, 2024

One bad outing and people started questioning the selection of young players. The young lads came back and in style. Brilliant century from Abhishek Sharma.

Let the young guns take their time. They will respond with results consistently. Keep believing! #ZIMvIND pic.twitter.com/NTCuFrkAM1

— Anubhav Prabhakar (@AapkaAnubhav) July 7, 2024

India lost the first T20I to ensure there are more eyeballs when Abhishek Sharma gets his century in coming games. Well played for the newcomer.

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) July 7, 2024

HUNDRED! Abhishek Sharma!

This is why people wanted him in the side.

A day after he gets a duck, he gets a 46 ball century with plenty of big hits.

Hopefully will be patient with the young folks! Top knock, that!

— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) July 7, 2024

ABHISHEK SHARMA 💯

— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) July 7, 2024

Abishek Sharma is incredible. What an innings.

— Adam Theo🇿🇼🏏 (@AdamTheofilatos) July 7, 2024

46-ball century for Abhishek Sharma 💙#cricket #ZIMvIND #T20 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/DonxvUqCCD

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 7, 2024

Rinku Singh and Ruturaj Gaikwad propel India to humongous score 

After the fall of Abhishek’s wickets, India’s batting was anchored by Ruturaj Gaikwad, who played a commanding unbeaten innings of 77 runs off 47 balls, including 11 fours and one six. Rinku Singh joined him with aggressive strokeplay, scoring a rapid 48 not out off just 22 deliveries, embellished with 2 fours and 5 sixes. Their partnership propelled India to a commanding total of 234/2 in their allotted 20 overs, showcasing a dominant batting display against the opposition’s bowling attack.

Also READ: Zimbabwe vs India T20I series : Date, Match, Time, Venue, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details

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