India's star opener Abhishek Sharma scripted history after cracking his first T20I century on Sunday, July 7 in the second T20I against Zimbabwe. This came just one match after a disappointing debut where he was dismissed for a four-ball duck. The youngster bounced back in style the second T20I at the Harare Sports Club, Harare. After India won the toss and opted to bat, Sharma started cautiously following the dismissal of his opening partner Shubman Gill. He then exploded, reaching his fifty in a mere 33 balls. This blazing knock continued as he converted it into a magnificent century off just 46 deliveries.
Sharma, known for his explosive batting, made a strong comeback after his dismal outing in the first match. Partnering with Ruturaj Gaikwad, he steadied the innings. He got off the mark with a bang, a six over deep mid-wicket against off-spinner Brian Bennett. He got the second life after Wellington Masakadza dropped him at 24 in the eighth over. This seemed to ignite his innings, and he unleashed his power in the 11th over against medium-pacer Dion Myers. He smashed Myers for 26 runs, including three boundaries and two sixes. Emboldened, Sharma quickly doubled his score, etching his name in history. He became the fastest Indian to score a T20I century from his debut, surpassing Deepak Hooda who achieved the feat in his third innings. Sharma reached the three-figure mark in style, hitting three consecutive sixes off Masakadza. However, his incredible knock was cut short as he was caught at backward point off the very next delivery.
Abhishek Sharma also joined an an elite list as he is now tied with South Africa's Richard Levi and West Indies' Evin Lewis for the fastest T20I century by a batsman from a full Member Nation, all achieving the feat in their second appearance.
India ended up posting a huge total of 234/2 and in reply Zimbabwe could only score 134 to suffer a 100-run defeat.
India's Playing XI:
Shubman Gill(c), Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel(w), Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar
Zimbabwe's Playing XI:
Wessly Madhevere, Innocent Kaia, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza(c), Dion Myers, Johnathan Campbell, Clive Madande(w), Wellington Masakadza, Luke Jongwe, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara
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