In a historic performance, young Indian opener Abhishek Sharma scored a blistering century in his second T20I match against Zimbabwe. The 23-year-old left-hander reached the milestone off just 46 balls, the joint-third fastest by an Indian in the format. Sharma’s magnificent innings, laced with 7 fours and 8 sixes, propelled India to a mammoth 234/2 in their 20 overs.
Sharma, who had scored a duck on debut, made amends in style by becoming the fastest Indian to score a T20I century in terms of innings, achieving the feat in just two matches. His 100 was also the fourth fastest overall for India in the shortest format.
The Punjab batsman put on a 137-run stand with Ruturaj Gaikwad (77*) to lay the foundation for India’s massive total. Sharma was particularly severe on Zimbabwe spinner Wellington Masakadza, hitting him for three consecutive sixes to reach his hundred in style.
Sharma’s sensational knock saw him break several records, including becoming the fourth youngest Indian to score a T20I century. His 65 runs against the Zimbabwean spinners were also the most by an Indian in a T20I against slow bowlers.
India went on to win the match by 100 runs, with the bowlers putting in a disciplined performance to bowl out Zimbabwe for 134. The series is now tied at 1-1 with three matches to go.