Abhishek Sharma finally gets going, batters find form

It was never a matter of if but rather when Abhishek Sharma would get his first high score of the World Cup.

- Somshuvra Laha

India's Abhishek Sharma in action against Zimbabwe.

(PTI)

Against Zimbabwe, the moment of truth finally came, but not before he had to wait nine balls to get the strike. Despite all the talk about India keeping the faith in their batters and the process, pushing Ishan Kishan to No.3 and making Sanju Samson—playing his first match since the Namibia game two weeks ago—take first strike underscored India’s desire to ease Abhishek slowly into the game.Which he did too. The length was spot on from Blessing Muzarabani, forcing Abhishek to caress the first ball he faced through point for a single. He could take his time because by then the floodgates had opened at the other end, Samson slapping Richard Ngarava over his head for a six before picking Muzarabani over wide long-on for a 85-metre over boundary. With the run rate well above 10 per over, Abhishek had no reason to rush.