![Abhishek Sharma [Source: AP Photos]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1785037898749_AbhishekSharma (1).jpg)
Abhishek Sharma [Source: AP Photos]
India young star Abhishek Sharma once again found a way to create history. Although he endured another disappointing outing with the bat, the left-handed opener made a massive impact with the ball during the second T20I against Zimbabwe on July 25.
Notably, his brilliant spell not only helped India register a dominant victory, it also earned him a place in the record books.
Abhishek Sharma Achieves Historic Bowling Record
Although Abhishek Sharma was dismissed cheaply by Blessing Muzarabani while opening the innings, he made sure to leave his mark in the second half of the match. Introduced as a part-time left-arm spinner, Abhishek delivered a match-winning spell of 3/17.
With those figures, he registered the best bowling performance by an Indian opener in T20I history. Moreover, his spell helped India tighten their grip on the contest as Zimbabwe never looked comfortable during their chase of 220.
As a result, Abhishek joined an elite list featuring two legendary Indian cricketers who hold similar records in other formats.
Best bowling figures by an Indian opener:
- Tests: Vinoo Mankad – 8/52 vs Pakistan (1952)
- ODIs: Ravi Shastri – 5/15 vs Australia (1991)
- T20Is: Abhishek Sharma – 3/17 vs Zimbabwe (2026)
Therefore, Abhishek became the first Indian opener to achieve such a milestone in the shortest format of the game.
India's Bowlers Seal Another Comfortable Victory
While Abhishek led the bowling attack with three wickets, he also received excellent support from the rest of the bowlers. Yash Thakur and Prince Yadav picked up 2 wickets each, ensuring Zimbabwe never built any meaningful partnerships
Consequently, the hosts were bowled out for just 129, handing India a comprehensive 90-run victory. Earlier in the innings, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma had laid the perfect foundation with aggressive half-centuries, allowing India to cross the 200-run mark comfortably.
Also Read: Shreyas Iyer Stamps Prince Yadav Snub For IND Vs ZIM 3rd T20I
Abhishek Sharma Still Searching For Form With Bat
Despite his historic bowling achievement, Abhishek Sharma's batting form remains a concern. The Punjab opener has struggled to replicate the incredible standards he set last year.
Notably, in 2025, Abhishek enjoyed a dream season, scoring 859 runs in 21 innings at an impressive average of 42.95. However, the story has been completely different in 2026. So far, he has managed just 512 runs in 22 matches, while also registering 6 ducks.
Furthermore, before the Zimbabwe tour, India played a five-match T20I series against England. During that series, Abhishek scored only 131 runs in 5 innings, with just one fifty to his name.
Notably, his struggles have continued against Zimbabwe as well. The left-handed batter has managed scores of only 1 and 8 in the first 2 matches, failing to provide India with the explosive starts he is known for.
Although Abhishek Sharma has not been able to make an impact with the bat, his match-winning bowling performance has certainly boosted his confidence. Nevertheless, the Indian opener will be eager to silence his critics with a big knock in the final T20I against Zimbabwe on July 26.
Also Read: Harare Sports Club Pitch Report, Weather Report For IND Vs ZIM 3rd T20I, 2026
