Abhishek Sharma’s Explosive Knock Helps India Beat Afghanistan by Seven Wickets
On September 13, India made a huge statement going into the T20I series against Afghanistan, who played in Delhi. Abhishek Sharma had the innings of note with 82 off just 32 balls as India chased down his total of 157 runs set by Afghanistan with a whopping 38 balls remaining.
India exerted immediate pressure with the ball, winning all crucial moments and putting Afghanistan on the back foot. The Indian quickly came back into the team after an injury break and struck with just the second ball of the innings, sending Rahmanullah Gurbaz back in his very first over. Arshdeep Singh then took the pressure up a notch, along with Axar Patel and returning spinner Varun Chakravarthy who picked wickets at crucial intervals.
Zadran’s run-out was the beginning of a slide in Afghanistan’s innings. The visitors were at an alarming 43 for five in seven overs as several batters failed to stick around.
Azmatullah Omarzai then walked out to play a rescue role. The all-rounder countered the early collapse and reached a crucial fifty. Omarzai scored 64 as Afghanistan ended the innings on 156 for eight. In a decent batting surface in Delhi, Mohammad Nabi scored 33 but the total seemed well below par.
India’s pursuit started with the first wicket falling as soon as Sanju Samson came back, however Abhishek Sharma took immediate control. He looked to attack Afghanistan’s bowlers, stylishly clearing the fence with an array of shots. His innings featured huge sixes into different areas of the ground, and also ensured that India never really lost their way.
During the second-wicket, he staged a partnership of 121-runs with Ishan Kishan. Kishan stepped to the plate and after hitting one six, he tried for another six and fell for 42 from 33 balls. India’s run rate required up to that point, was really significantly low.
Abhishek carried on with the assault and made an unabated 82 off just 32 balls of which India never really looked in control. And for all the attempts from Afghanistan’s bowlers to tie down India’s opener, including two bit of brilliance from Rashid Khan behind the stumps, they were fighting a losing battle.
India eventually chased down the total with 157 for three in just 13.4 overs to win the match easily by seven wickets. Bumrah and Varun also made a successful return, which is another positive for India ahead of the rest of the series.
Read also: India cup championship
