'If it's in my arc...': Abhishek Sharma reveals batting mantra after magnificent 100 in Ind vs Zim 2nd T20I

After a 13-run loss in the first T20I, Shubman Gill-led India thrashed hosts Zimbabwe by 100 runs at the Harare Sports Club, Harare on Sunday (Jul7). Opener Abhishek Sharma, who was out for 0 in the first game (also his international debut), turned it around for India with a breathtaking 47-ball 100 as the visitors posted 234-2 and dismissed the Sikandar Raza-led side for 134, in 18.4 overs, to level the five-match series 1-1. The swashbuckling left-hander's knock was laced with 7 fours and 8 sixes, at a strike rate of 212.77. After his maiden century led the Men in Blue to a big win, Abhishek revealed his batting mantra.

'I always feel that as a youngster if it's your day....'

At the post-match presentation, Abhishek said, "I think it was pretty much a good performance by me, the defeat we had yesterday we didn't have it easy for us. I felt today it was my day and I made it count. I feel T20 is about momentum and I took it to the end. Special mention to the coach and team management, I always feel that as a youngster if it's your day, if you have to express yourself. We were talking after every ball and he (Ruturaj Gaikwad) said to me that you should take it on. I always believe in my ability, if there's in my arc and even if it's the first ball."

Abhishek started with a huge six and accelerated with aplomb, targetting the spinners and medium pacer Dion Myers, as the Indian innings progressed ahead. He stitched a mammoth a 137-run second-wicket stand with Gaikwad (77*) as India added to Zimbabwe's woes.

Opting to bat first, India posted 234-2 as they rode on Abhishek's ton, Gaikwad's 77* and Rinku Singh's 22-ball 48* before Avesh Khan's 3-fer and two scalps from Ravi Bishnoi dismissed the African nation for 134 in 18.4 overs.

The third T20I will be held at the same venue on Wednesday (Jul10).