Dubai: Abhishek Sharma, a flashy opener, scored an amazing 74 runs in a row to help India beat their arch-rivals Pakistan by six wickets in the Asia Cup Super Fours match at the Dubai International Stadium.
The youthful left-handed batsman hit 74 runs off of just 39 balls at a strike rate of 189.74 while chasing 172. His aggressive strokeplay set the tone for India’s victorious chase, but his innings ended with a missed shot from Abrar Ahmed that Haris Rauf collected.
Surya Made Him Think of His Father
Abhishek told the BCCI in an open post-match talk that captain Suryakumar Yadav’s instructions to rotate strike reminded him of his father, Raj Kumar Sharma.
“I thought of my dad today when you stood there and said, ‘Take one run.’ He used to do the same thing when he was sitting in front of the sight screen. That’s where I focus the most. Abhishek said Suryakumar, “I’m used to it, and you asked me two or three times to push for a single.”
The quickest fifty by an Indian against Pakistan
Abhishek got to his half-century in just 24 balls, which is the fastest by an Indian hitter against Pakistan. His family, who were in the grandstand, saw the explosive knock, which made the event much more spectacular.
Abhishek blew kisses to the spectators and then made a “L” motion, which made fans wonder what it meant.
The Secret to the ‘L’ Party
Abhishek explained the gesture by saying it meant “love” and was for people who support Team India.
“It’s quite special because I think their record is going good for me. We have always won the game when they come. We still won the contest today. He said, “It’s a special feeling when family comes.”
“This is love; it’s a party for people who support the Indian team.” He ended with, “This is for India.”