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In the three games that India have played so far in the Asia Cup, opener Abhishek Sharma has been India’s best batter. Scoring quick-fire runs at the top that threw the opposition off their game. Abhishek has been in prime form since the last edition of the Indian Premier League, where he scored 484 runs in 16 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad. In Friday’s fixture against Oman, the young opener showed no mercy to the bowlers, hitting them all around the park, scoring a blistering 38 off 15 balls at a strike-rate of 253.3. His innings included two maximums and five boundaries.
In a video posted by the BCCI, Abhishek’s father decoded his fearlessness, stating that it comes from his younger days where he would face 150 kmph deliveries without any hesitation. His technique and clean hitting has been a sight to watch. Even in practice sessions, the young batter presents the media with a flurry of sixes and fours to watch. The one quality that stands out is his effortlessness in hitting fast bowlers.
At the top of the order, Abhishek has undoubtedly become a mainstay. While some say that the batting line-up is overdependent on his exploits, there is no doubt about the fact that Abhishek is the team’s best bet in terms of wreaking havoc against Pakistan tomorrow. The tussle between ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board keeps heating up and it leaves no choice for India to win comprehensively against their neighbours. Following the handshake controversy and Suryakumar Yadav’s statement at the post-match press conference that had riled Pakistan, the team will look to win under any circumstances. Social media has been ablaze since the last clash between the two teams.
Abhishek, in the last game against Pakistan, dominated from the outset. Dancing down the track to hit Shaheen Shah Afridi for a boundary in the first delivery. And then hitting a six off the very next one. The first two shots had derailed Pakistan’s plan before they even had a chance to make a dent into India’s batting line-up. Abhishek’s exploits up top have become one of India’s greatest strengths.
As India gear up for the high-stakes, high-pressure showdown against Pakistan, all eyes will once again be on Abhishek to set the tone. His fearless approach and ability to dismantle the opposition’s pace attack has become a key weapon in India’s armoury. What makes his presence at the top even more crucial is the ripple effect it creates. When Sharma fires, the middle-order can play with freedom and India’s overall game plan falls perfectly into place.
Tomorrow’s clash against Pakistan is not just another match. It will carry the weight of rivalry, pride and simmering off-field tensions that have only added to the drama of the tournament. India will need to stamp their authority in such a charged atmosphere and a blazing start is non-negotiable. If he can channel the same audacity from the get-go and take down Shaheen, and unsettle Pakistan attack in the first few overs, it will decisively tilt the contest in India’s favour. India bat till number eight, and once Abhishek sets off, there are more than enough batters in the team to carry on the momentum.
Also Read: India vs Oman: A day for experimentation
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