T20 World Cup 2026 Final: Abhishek Sharma Repeats Virat Kohli's Feat, Sanju Samson Also Torments New Zealand

Ahmedabad: Young Indian opener Abhishek Sharma created history in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, being played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. In the title match against New Zealand, Abhishek decimated the Kiwi bowlers, reaching his half-century in just 18 balls. Struggling with poor form throughout the tournament, Abhishek responded to his critics with his brilliant batting on the biggest stage.

How did Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson perform?

The pair of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson gave the Indian innings a start that will be remembered for years. India scored 92 runs without loss in the powerplay (6 overs), the highest powerplay score in T20 World Cup history. Abhishek Sharma reached his half-century in 18 balls. However, he couldn't stay on the field for long, returning to the pavilion with a personal score of 52. He faced a total of 21 balls during his innings, hitting 6 brilliant fours and 3 towering sixes. Abhishek Sharma was unfortunately caught by the wicketkeeper. He edged his bat to a wide ball, and the wicketkeeper took an easy catch.

Did New Zealand's decision to bowl first backfire?

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner's decision to bowl first after winning the toss proved wrong when the Indian batsmen piled up runs in the overs bowled by Jacob Duffy and Matt Henry. Abhishek reached his fifty in a single over off Jacob Duffy, hitting sixes and fours.

Abhishek Sharma replicated Virat Kohli's feat in the T20 World Cup final. After failing throughout the 2024 tournament, Virat Kohli scored a brilliant half-century in the final, batting as an opener at the time. Abhishek Sharma has now achieved the same feat in the final. He, too, had been struggling with poor form throughout the tournament.