India vs Zimbabwe, 2nd T20I
Abhishek Sharma’s father, Rajkumar Sharma, shared how his son rebounded from a duck on his debut to score a blistering 46-ball century in the second T20I against Zimbabwe. His six-hitting prowess, showcased brilliantly during the 2024 IPL season, earned him a spot in the Indian T20I squad. Abhishek aimed to start his international career with a six in the series opener against Zimbabwe in Harare but was caught at deep backward square leg, resulting in a dismissal for a duck. However, within 24 hours, he turned his fortunes around with a blazing 46-ball hundred, propelling India to a 100-run victory and leveling the series 1-1.
India, having lost their captain Shubman Gill in the second over after opting to bat first at the Harare Sports Club, saw Abhishek forge a 137-run partnership in just 46 balls. During this knock, he hit seven boundaries and eight sixes to register his maiden century. This 46-ball innings marked the third-fastest century by an Indian in T20Is, and he became the quickest Indian to achieve a hundred in this format, reaching the milestone in just his second innings.
With Shubman being the captain, it has also helped. The duo has opened for Punjab since their U-14 days and now they are opening for India. Mark my words, these two will forge a destructive opening partnership and will win many games for India in the future,” added Rajkumar.
Abhishek did indeed follow Laxman’s advice and maintained composure even as he suffered a scare when batting on 27. He took 33 balls to reach the half-century mark but smashed the next fifty runs in just 13 balls.
Uma Chetry is a truly hard-working cricketer,” says Indian women’s fielding coach Bali.
Chennai – Indian women’s cricket team fielding coach Munish Bali praised Uma Chetry for her exceptional fielding skills, calling the young wicket-keeper a truly hard-working cricketer. Chetry, 21, made her T20 International debut against South Africa in the abandoned second game of the three-match series on Sunday, where she executed a crucial stumping off Deepti Sharma’s bowling to dismiss a well-set Tanzim Brits. This impressive feat came after she had initially missed a similar chance against Brits.
Bali stood by the youngster, highlighting her bravery and dedication, especially recalling her performance during the Test match against South Africa last week.
“I was happy when she was handed her debut cap. During the Test, she fielded for around 70-80 overs. She is a brave girl,” Bali said during the post-match press conference.
