PTI Nagpur
Abhishek Sharma’s pyrotechnics followed a now familiar script with India out-batting New Zealand by 48 runs in the opening T20 International here on Wednesday.
Abhishek, who has made it a habit of lighting up the evenings in stadiums across the cricketing globe with his array of monstrous hits, smashed 84 off just 35 balls and was complemented well by Rinku Singh (44 not out off 20 balls) who applied the finishing touches in India’s commanding score of 238 for 7 on a Jamtha shirt-front.
In reply, Glenn Phillips (78 off 40 balls) did indulge in some scary hitting in company of Mark Chapman (39 off 24 balls) as they added 79 off just seven overs but scoreboard pressure was such that they were eventually buried under a deluge of runs.
New Zealand’s final reply was 190 for 7 with Varun Chakravarthy (2/37) again picking up crucial wickets while Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya provided initial breakthroughs.
India’s growing dominance in the shortest format continued, with Abhishek once again justifying his role as the side’s designated enforcer at the top. The 25-year-old showed no restraint, striking eight towering sixes and five fours, as New Zealand’s bowlers struggled for answers on a placid surface. His aggressive approach allowed skipper Suryakumar Yadav (32 off 22 balls) to settle in during a rapid 99-run stand for the third wicket, even though the captain was not at his fluent best.
Abhishek eventually perished attempting yet another big hit, but the damage had already been done.
Rinku Singh ensured India finished strongly, clobbering 21 runs off the final over bowled by Daryl Mitchell to push the total beyond New Zealand’s reach. Despite a spirited counter-attack from Phillips and Chapman, the visitors were always chasing the game against a relentless Indian batting display.
