Ahead of the T20 series against Afghanistan, opening batsman Abhishek Sharma demonstrated powerful play. In the first match of the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League, held on Sunday, August 30, Abhishek played for Amritsar Surmaaj and scored 77 runs off just 26 balls.
This match took place at the PCA IS Bindra stadium in Mohali. During his innings, Abhishek hit at a strike rate of 296.15, including 6 fours and 7 sixes. Thanks to this explosive performance, Amritsar Surmaaj managed to score 258 runs in 19.5 overs. However, the Amritsar Surmaaj team failed to defend the target of 259 runs, and Mohali Kings won by five wickets.
Abhishek Sharma adopted an aggressive approach from the start of the game. He reached a half-century in just 17 balls. His opening partners also performed well: Sahaj Dhawan scored 45 runs off 18 balls, and Naman Dir played quickly, scoring 47 runs off 22 balls, including one four and five sixes.
The situation changed due to Anmolpreet Singh. Although Amritsar Surmaaj had an advantage, the Mohali Kings batsmen reduced the target. Anmolpreet Singh delivered an explosive innings, scoring 133 runs off 51 balls, using 10 fours and 12 sixes. Captain Ramandeep Singh also provided excellent support, remaining unbeaten and scoring 69 runs off 40 balls. Together they added 151 runs off 70 balls for the fourth wicket. As a result, Mohali won the match, scoring 259 runs in 19.3 overs.
Abhishek Sharma also tried his hand as a bowler. He bowled the first over in pursuit of the score and dismissed Manpreet Johal on the fourth ball. Nevertheless, after this, his deliveries started yielding many runs. In 2.3 overs, he took one wicket while conceding 37 runs.
Abhishek Sharma's performance comes as India is set to play a three-match T20 series against Afghanistan in Delhi starting September 13. Thus, his domestic cricket performance is a strong signal for selection committees.
Now, the attention of fans will be focused on the match scheduled for September 1, where Amritsar Surmaaj will face Jalandhar Warriors. Jalandhar will be led by Prabsimar Singh. Additionally, Shubman Gill also plays for Phadhilka Falcons in the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League. His team will begin its tournament on August 31 against Jalandhar Warriors.