Abhishek Sharma smashed his maiden T20I hundred against Zimbabwe
Abhishek said he kept belief in his hitting ability despite getting out for a duck on his debut.
Abhishek Sharma had a heartbreak on Saturday when he endured a 4-ball duck on his international debut against Zimbabwe. But he day later, he bounced back with a scintillating hundred and enrolled himself among the fastest century getter for India in the shortest format of the game. Abhishek announced his arrival on the big stage with a 46-ball 100, taking India to 234 for 2 in 20. The visitors then bundled out the hosts for 134 in 18.4 overs for a whopping 100-run win to level the series 1-1.
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Abhishek thrashed the bowler for sixes and boundaries all around the park, gaining the momentum he needed to carry on. He becomes the fastest to get to a maiden T20I hundred, pipping the likes of Deepak Hooda and KL Rahul who have scored their maiden ton after playing just his second game.
The 23-year-old was adjudged the Player of the Match for his scintillating knock in Harare. Speaking at the post-match presentation, Abhishek said he kept belief in his hitting ability despite getting out for a duck on his debut.
“The defeat we had yesterday, wasn’t easy for us. I felt today was my day and I made it count. I feel T20 is about momentum and I took it to the end. Special mention to the coaches, captains and the team management to keep confidence,” Abhishek said.
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“I always feel that as a youngster if it’s your day, you have to express yourself. We were talking after every over and he said to me that you should take it on. I always believe in my ability, if it’s in my arc and even if it’s the first ball, I will go after it,” he added.
With the series levelled at 1-1, it is expected that Sanju Samson will replace Dhruv Jurel behind the stumps, Shivam Dube with his all-round skills will come in place of Sai Sudharsan and Riyan Parag might have to sacrifice his place for Jaiswal in the match scheduled on July 10.
