Abhishek Sharma was magnificent with the bat and put the New Zealand bowler under pressure in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The southpaw managed 52 runs off 21 balls, laced with 6 fours and 3 sixes. He scored his runs at a strike rate of 247.61. Rachin Ravindra dismissed Abhishek after the opener went hard on a wide delivery, and Kiwi wicket-keeper Tim Seifert took his catch.
He could have easily left the ball, but a break in concentration due to the drinks interval played a role in his downfall. He and Sanju Samson added 92 runs for the first wicket in the six powerplay overs.
Overall, they stitched a stand of 98 runs, the highest opening stand for the Men in Blue in the ongoing global tournament. Abhishek’s two meaningful contributions have come in the form of fifties.
He hasn’t been at his best, and there was a question mark on his place in the Playing XI before the final. Abhishek recorded three ducks in his first three games, with the teams restricting him with the help of off-spinners.
However, he saved his best for the summit clash and showed his class with the bat.