With the five-match T20I series already decided in India‘s favour, the spotlight has shifted to an intriguing individual battle ahead of the fifth and final game. New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry has revealed his strategy to counter India’s explosive opener Abhishek Sharma, who has been one of the most talked-about performers of the series despite a mixed run of scores.
Abhishek Sharma’s high-risk, high-reward performance
Abhishek’s journey in the ongoing series has been a classic example of modern T20 batting — feast or famine. In four matches so far, the left-hander has produced two breathtaking half-centuries alongside two ducks, underlining both his destructive potential and the risks that come with his aggressive approach.
When Abhishek has clicked, he has completely taken the game away from the opposition. His blistering 84 in the series opener laid the foundation for a dominant Indian victory, while his unbeaten 68 in the third T20I was even more remarkable. That knock included a 14-ball fifty, the second-fastest by an Indian in T20 internationals, and showcased his ability to dismantle bowling attacks in a matter of minutes. Both innings earned him Player of the Match awards and played a decisive role in India sealing an unassailable series lead.
Matt Henry’s impressive bowling in the series
On the other side of the contest, Henry has been a rare bright spot for New Zealand in what has otherwise been a challenging series. The right-arm pacer has consistently struck early, putting India under pressure right from the first over.
In the fourth T20I on January 28, Henry removed Abhishek on the very first ball of the second innings. That dismissal followed another first-ball wicket in the third T20I, where he sent back Sanju Samson. With those efforts, Henry became the first player in T20I history to take a wicket on the first ball of the innings in two consecutive matches.
His impact was most evident in New Zealand’s lone win of the series. Henry finished with figures of 1/24 in three overs, and his early breakthrough against Abhishek set the tone for India’s 50-run defeat.
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Henry opens up on plans to stop Abhishek
Ahead of the series finale, Henry acknowledged the challenge of bowling to a batter like Abhishek, who has built a reputation for fearlessness not only in international cricket but also in the Indian Premier League. He emphasised that the key lies in sustained pressure rather than searching for magic deliveries.
“He’s been playing brilliantly over the last two years and he’s been taking to attacks, not just in international cricket but in the IPL as well,” Henry said while speaking to the media on the eve of the fifth T20I.
According to Henry, bowlers must be prepared for mixed overs against such aggressive batters and focus on responding strongly rather than getting distracted.
“It all comes back down to accuracy. You have to be accurate at what you’re doing and you’re just trying to put your best foot forward,” he added.
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