&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "IND vs NZ, T20 World Cup final: Abhishek-Sanju give India perfect start with 92 runs in powerplay")
India were given a perfect start by the batting duo of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma as they scored 92 runs in the Powerplay of the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand on Sunday (Mar 8). Playing at the Narendra Modi Stadium against New Zealand in the final, Abhishek completed his fifty in 18 balls as India set the tone for the final. Abhishek’s innings comes after he was underfire for a poor batting show at the start of the tournament.
Abhishek-Sanju make perfect start
With pressure on his shoulders, it was Abhishek who silenced his critics as he scored an 18-ball fifty to give India a perfect start. The 92-run stand was the highest ever for India in a T20 World Cup. Abhishek was soon dismissed by Rachin Ravindra for 52 off 21 as he helped the Men in Blue get a perfect start. His innings consisted of 6 fours and 3 sixes and averaged almost three runs per ball.
Highest PP scores in T20 WCs
92/0 - IND vs NZ, Ahmedabad, 2026 Final
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92/1 - WI vs AFG, Bridgetown, 2024
91/1 - NED vs IRE, Sylhet, 2014
89/3 - ENG vs SA, Mumbai WS, 2016
86/1 - IND vs NAM, Delhi, 2026
Team management shows faith in duo
Despite issues facing issues with the form, the team management showed faith in Varun and Abhishek. While Abhishek was expected to retain, there were question marks on his stay in the Playing XI with Kuldeep Yadav in the frame. However, Kuldeep had to once again settle for a place on the bench as he played no role in India’s campaign on home soil, with his only opportunity coming in the Pakistan contest in Colombo.
