Zimbabwe's Secret Plan Ready To Destroy Abhishek Sharma In T20 World Cup Super 8

Zimbabwe's plan ready for Abhishek Sharma [Source: AFP]

India were the firm favourites to clinch the T20 World Cup 2026, but that all changed after the embarrassing defeat against the South African team in the Super 8 match on Sunday. Before the World Cup, India’s openers were their biggest strength, but six matches into the tournament, the openers have been exposed against the spinners.

The trend started with Salman Agha exposing Abhishek Sharma in the group stage match. It was followed by Aryan Dutt, the Netherlands spinner, dismissing Abhishek. The trend continued in the Super 8 fixture against South Africa as Aiden Markram bowled the first over, and he got the prized wicket of Ishan Kishan for a duck.

Zimbabwe's secret plan ready for Abhishek Sharma

It is safe to say that Zimbabwe will come up with a similar plan against India in the do-or-die game on Thursday, and expect a spinner to open the attack against the struggling Indian duo.

Ahead of the match, Zimbabwe batter, Ryan Burl attended the pre-game press conference, and he revealed that the Chevrons have done their homework for the Indian openers, giving a subtle hint that a spinner might open the attack against them.

"Thank you for saying Zimbabwe have some good spinners. That's a good compliment to have. Yes, we have done our home work. I won't give too many secrets but yes, we have studied how Indian batters have fared against spinners," Burl said, as quoted by RevSportz.

Also Read: Abhishek Sharma Or Tilak Varma, Who Will Sanju Samson Replace? India Batting Coach Speaks

Have opposition bowlers found India's weakness?

Before the T20 World Cup, the Indian top-order hardly had any weakness. The runs were coming by easily, and things were going smoothly for them. However, the ongoing World Cup has exposed the batters against quality spin-bowling.

Pakistan captain was the first one to exploit the Indian weakness as he bowled the first over, and was instantly rewarded with the wicket of Abhishek. The Netherlands copied the same tactics as Aryan Dutt, another off-break bowler, who took his prized wicket for a duck. Markram continued ther blueprint, as India fell in the same trap for three successive matches.

So, the question arises: Have the opposition teams found India’s weakness? The answer, at the moment, looks like a big yes as the Indian top order struggles against off-break bowlers.

Who could Zimbabwe use to trouble Abhishek Sharma?

The Zimbabwe side has a plethora of options to tackle the struggling Indian openers, but the best option is to start the over with skipper Sikandar Raza. He is an off-spinner, and has the ability to drift the ball away from left-handed batters.

The match will be played in Chennai, and if the history of the venue is anything to go by, then it would aid the spinners. Raza could bring in his experience as the two Indian openers (Abhishek, and Kishan) will look to target him in the first over.

The 39-year-old could take the ball away from left-handed batter, and in the process, he could induce an outside-edge towards a fielder, or the keeper.

Also Read: IND vs ZIM Head To Head Records- Super 8,  ICC T20 World Cup 2026