Abhishek Sharma used Shubman Gill's bat in the match

In a stunning turnaround, India batter Abhishek Sharma revealed that he used Shubman Gill's bat for his blazing maiden T20I century against Zimbabwe on July 7. After failing to score in the series opener, Abhishek's explosive knock in the second T20I showcased his potential.

Abhishek Sharma, using his teammate and captain Shubman Gill's bat, scored a remarkable 100 off 47 balls in Harare. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award in India's second game of the five-match T20I series against Sikander Raza-led Zimbabwe. These innings were a significant improvement from his debut match on July 6, where he was dismissed for a duck.

In the second T20I, Abhishek's powerful innings, supported by Ruturaj Gaikwad's unbeaten 77 off 46 balls, helped stabilise India's batting after the early dismissal of Shubman Gill. The duo built a robust 137-run partnership, with Rinku Singh contributing a quick 48 off 22 balls, propelling India to a formidable total of 234 runs. This impressive batting display was a stark contrast to their struggles in the series opener.

During the post-match press conference, Abhishek disclosed the secret behind his success. "I played with Shubman’s bat today - I did it earlier also. Whenever I need runs, I ask for his bat," Abhishek said. Both players have a long history together, having played for Punjab in domestic cricket and sharing a strong bond over the years. Their camaraderie was also evident during the IPL 2024, where Abhishek introduced Shubman to his family in the stands during a match between SRH and GT.

Following their batting brilliance, India's bowlers delivered a stellar performance. Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, and Mukesh Kumar played crucial roles in dismantling Zimbabwe's batting lineup. Avesh Khan's 3/15, Bishnoi's 2/11, and Mukesh's 3/37 helped restrict Zimbabwe to just 134 runs, securing a comprehensive 100-run victory for India.

With this emphatic win, India will be brimming with confidence as they head into the third T20I on July 10.