In a losing effort against Australia in the 2nd T20I at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Abhishek Sharma's explosive batting display has garnered praise from cricket legends, despite India's four-wicket defeat. Sharma's innings of 68 runs off 37 balls, which included 8 fours and 2 sixes, was a rare bright spot in an otherwise disappointing batting performance by the Indian team.
India, after being put in to bat first, struggled against the Australian pace attack, particularly Josh Hazlewood, who dismantled the top order. The top order collapsed, leaving India reeling at 49 for 5 in the eighth over. Sharma then steadied the innings in partnership with Harshit Rana, who contributed a valuable 35. Together, they added 56 runs for the sixth wicket, providing some much-needed stability. However, after their partnership was broken, the Indian innings again lost momentum, eventually folding for a modest total of 125 in 18.4 overs. Nine Indian batsmen failed to reach double digits.
Sharma's aggressive approach and fearless strokeplay were the highlights of India's innings. He reached his half-century in just 23 balls, equaling Suryakumar Yadav's record for the most fifties in 25 balls or fewer for India in T20Is. Sharma has seven fifties in 8 innings. This achievement underscores his ability to score quickly and put pressure on the opposition's bowling attack.
Despite Sharma's efforts, the total proved insufficient as Australia chased down the target with ease, securing victory in just 13.2 overs. Mitchell Marsh led the charge with a blistering 46 off 26 balls. While Indian bowlers Varun Chakravarthy and Jasprit Bumrah managed to pick up two wickets each, they couldn't contain the Australian batting lineup.
Following the match, India captain Suryakumar Yadav acknowledged Sharma's impressive form, noting his consistent performances and clear understanding of his game. Yadav emphasized the importance of Sharma maintaining his approach and contributing with similar knocks in future matches.
Sharma's performance in this match is a continuation of his impressive form in T20Is. He was named Player of the Tournament in the recent Asia Cup 2025, demonstrating his growing maturity and adaptability against top-class bowling attacks. His overall T20I statistics showcase his potential, with a high strike rate and a propensity for scoring big.
While the defeat was a setback for India, Sharma's innings provided a silver lining. His ability to perform under pressure and his aggressive batting style make him a valuable asset to the team. As India looks to the future, Sharma's continued development and contributions will be crucial to their success in the T20 format. India will be hoping to bounce back in the third T20I, scheduled to be played on November 2 at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart.
