Abhishek Sharma’s struggles in the T20 World Cup continued as he failed to make an impact in India’s semifinal against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. After India were asked to bat first on Thursday, March 5, the left-hander managed just nine runs off seven balls before falling to off-spinner Will Jacks.
Across seven matches, Abhishek has scored only 85 runs at an average of 14.16 with a strike rate of 132.81. Aside from a half-century against Zimbabwe in the Super 8 stage, he has largely struggled throughout the tournament. The youngster began his campaign with ducks against the United States, Pakistan, and the Netherlands, and has been unable to regain form.
Last year, when India faced England at the same venue, Abhishek Sharma dominated the opposition with a 37-ball century. His 135-run innings off 54 balls, which included seven fours and 13 sixes, helped India secure a commanding 150-run victory. However, on Thursday, he was unable to replicate that performance.
HOW ABHISHEK FALTERED AT WANKHEDE
Abhishek’s innings in the semis started brightly, as he quickly got off the mark with two well-timed boundaries. He opened his account with a single off Jofra Archer and soon faced Jacks, against whom he looked aggressive from the start. He cut a full-length delivery through backward point for a neat four and then shimmying down the track, he chip-drove another delivery through mid-off for a one-bounce four.
Abhishek appeared positive and confident, moving down the track and adjusting his stance to counter Jacks’ off-spin. However, his promising start was short-lived. Attempting an ambitious aerial flick off a slower, drifting delivery, he mis-timed the shot, hitting it off the bottom edge of the bat. Phil Salt, stationed at deep midwicket, took the catch comfortably, ending Abhishek’s innings.
If India reach the final, Abhishek will be looking to make amends against Mitchell Santner’s New Zealand on Sunday, March 8, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
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