Abhishek Sharma’s technical overhaul turned heads as India demolished Zimbabwe by 72 runs in T20 World Cup 2026’s Super-8 stage in Chennai. Batting first, Sharma’s 55 off 30 balls anchored a towering 256/4 total on Thursday, ending his four-match slump and earning rave reviews from Sunil Gavaskar.
‘A clear technique change—he waited till release, bat speed measured and balanced for shot potency,’ Gavaskar analyzed on Star Sports. This came after Sharma’s rough patch: three ducks on the trot due to illness, fueling doubts about his opener role.
From ball one, Sharma exuded calm, taking a single to underline patience—a nod to dressing room strategy. He and Sanju Samson (24 off 15) laid 48-run platform. Unleashing post-partnership, Sharma targeted Tinotenda Maposa, Brian Bennett, and Richard Ngarava ruthlessly. Powerplay: 80/1. Half-century in 26 balls.
Out at 55, Sharma ignited the chase-proof total. Hardik Pandya smashed 50* off 23, Tilak Varma 44 off 16; their 84-run stand exploded with 80 in last five overs. Zimbabwe managed 184 in reply, Bennett’s 97 heroic but futile versus Arshdeep’s 3/?. Victory lifts India’s NRR, semifinal path now hinges on West Indies clash in Kolkata.