India were put into bat first against Zimbabwe in the Super 8 stage of the 2026 WT20. It was a must win game for India and all the talk was about Abhishek Sharma and his form in this tournament. It has been a disappointing WT20 for the left hander. He has had scores of three ducks and a 15 coming into this fixture and there was plenty of pressure building up. India made a change today by bringing in Sanju Samson into the side and sending him to open. Abhishek Sharma returned to form as he smashed a terrific half century of just 26 balls. He brought up his fifty with a single against Sikandar Raza and did his trademark celebration. Watch his celebration here.

Abhishek did not take strike in the first ball and started his innings with a single in the second over. In the third over of the game, Abhishek Sharma took on Maposa and smashed him for two fours and a six as he reached 16 runs of just six balls. He continued to be brutal on any loose balls and it was evident that he was focused on timing the ball today rather than slogging.

Abhishek Sharma smashed 55 runs of 30 balls before being dismissed by Maposa. His knock included 4 fours and 4 sixes and a strike rate of 183. It was a terrific knock and considering his form it was a much-needed boost for India and Abhishek Sharma himself.

Indian dugout reaction to Sanju Samson dismissal goes viral - WATCH

India got off to an excellent start with Samson coming out all guns blazing. Abhishek Sharma carried that on as India scored 80 runs in the powerplay. They were in a very good position and Abhishek Sharma is one of the reasons for it as he kept the momentum going for India. It is a crucial must win fixture for India and the start provided by the top order batters has helped India be in a strong position at the halfway stage. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav also played a cameo of 33 runs of just 13 balls as India have gone past 175 at the end of the 15 overs.