![Abhishek Sharma compared to Virat Kohli [Source: @Vipintiwari952, @iarunchaudhary/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1772981664580_AbhishekSharmagetscomparedtoViratKohliafterT20WorldCup2026.jpg?type=hq)
Abhishek Sharma compared to Virat Kohli [Source: @Vipintiwari952, @iarunchaudhary/X.com]
Young Indian opener Abhishek Sharma smashed New Zealand left, right and centre in the ultimate final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. His blazing knock earned him not only praise but also comparison with the legend Virat Kohli.
The final went on floors at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 8. India lost the toss and was asked to bat first.
Abhishek, who had been struggling with form throughout the tournament, chose the most high-pressure platform to prove his mettle.
Fans draw a comparison between Abhishek Sharma and Virat Kohli
Abhishek Sharma, who had scored just 89 runs in the last 7 innings, stepped out with intent and immense self-belief. He punished fast bowlers like Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry by using their pace against them.
While Abhishek got a couple of lifelines, he used them to his absolute advantage. The youngster hammered 52 runs in just 21 balls with 6 fours and 3 sixes. The strike rate of 247 spoke volumes of his oozing confidence.
Also Read - Watch- 100000 Fans Lose Cool As MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma Walk Out With T20 World Cup Trophy
While Rachin Ravindra got rid of Sharma, his knock earned him praise across social media. Many fans compared Abhishek Sharma to Virat Kohli. They drew parallels to Kohliās clutch knock of 76 off 59 balls in the T20 World Cup 2024.
That year, Virat Kohli was also struggling with his form, as he had scored 104 runs in 9 innings. But when India needed him the most, Kohli stepped up.
The same situation has repeated for Abhishek Sharma, and fans couldnāt stop praising him for his clutch gameplay.
Abhishek Sharma scripts history with a blazing fifty
That being said, Abhishek Sharmaās knock was also special for other reasons. He reached his half-century in only 18 balls, which was the fastest fifty in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Not only that, but this is also the joint-second fastest T20 World Cup fifty for India. The record for the fastest fifty still lies with Yuvraj Singh, who scored 50 in 12 balls against England in 2007.
Also, New Zealand missed a trick with a costly gamble. Captain Mitchell Santner dropped off-spinner Cole McConchie, while Abhishek Sharma had struggled against off-spin earlier in the tournament.
Instead, they played Jacob Duffy, a seamer. This decision allowed Abhishek to attack pace bowlers freely in the powerplay.
India again inching closer to a 250-plus run total
Despite Abhishek Sharmaās dismissal, India didnāt slow down. Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan stitched a 105-run partnership for the second wicket to guide India past 200 inside 15 overs.
Sanju continued his dream form, scoring yet another 89 off 46 balls. Kishan also contributed with 54 off 25 balls. With the scoring rate being close to 13, India are safely aiming for yet another 250-plus runs total. At 18 overs, India had 220 runs on the board at the loss of 4 wickets.
Also Read - Sanju Samson Dethrones Virat Kohli To Become India's Most Successful...
.jpg?type=mq "Watch- Dhoni and Rohit walk out with World Cup trophy")
.jpg?type=mq "Abhishek 18-ball fifty")
.jpg?type=mq "Alyssa Healy press interaction")
