Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan heaped praise on Abhishek Sharma for giving India a much-needed momentum in the Powerplay overs in the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Abhishek, who was under the cosh, scored a blistering knock of 52 runs off just 21 balls. The left-hander completed his fifty off just 18 balls to give a flying start to his team. India scored 92 runs in the Powerplay overs and Abhishek added 98 runs for the opening alliance with Sanju Samson.
On the other hand, New Zealand could only manage 52 runs in their Powerplay overs and Pathan reckons the big gulf of 40 runs between the two teams was a major factor in the result.
Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube Channel, “Overall, the momentum that the team wanted was consistently provided by Abhishek Sharma. And what momentum it was. In the powerplay itself, India went far ahead of where New Zealand usually reach in their second powerplay during batting. India had already scored 92 runs in the powerplay because of Abhishek Sharma’s innings. New Zealand also made 52 runs in their powerplay, but they were still 40 runs behind India’s powerplay score. The match was almost finished right there.”
Pathan praised captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir for backing Abhishek Sharma despite the latter’s indifferent form.
“That is why backing a player like Abhishek Sharma was important. I kept saying repeatedly that he has the ability. His form may not have been great, but when a big moment arrives, a player like him can take the game away single-handedly, and that is exactly what he did. So, well done to the team management as well for not allowing too much pressure to build on this youngster. Credit should go to Gautam Gambhir and also to Suryakumar Yadav.”
The former swing bowler said Abhishek looked in no hurry or panic during his World Cup final knock against the Kiwis.
“Especially when a player is out of form, pressure can make them make mistakes even on balls that are meant to be hit. But one thing was clearly visible. When Glenn Phillips was bowling to him, Abhishek Sharma had completely made up his mind that he would not get out to the off-spinner. The way he played showed that clearly. He defended at times, played along the ground as well, and tried to bat very calmly. There was no hurry or panic.
“His plan was clear: target the fast bowlers. When the fast bowlers came on, he attacked them. Against Lockie Ferguson, he even stepped out on the very first ball. Later, the boundary against Duffy also gave momentum, and then he took Ferguson on aggressively,” he added.
Abhishek delivered when it mattered the most and would be delighted to contribute in the all-important final.
