(Source X)
Former Pakistan fast bowler Junaid Khan has criticized India’s young batters Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad following their outstanding performance in the second T20I against Zimbabwe.
Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad formed a formidable 137-run partnership for the second wicket, dominating Zimbabwe’s bowlers with a flurry of boundaries. Abhishek, in just his second international match, blazed to his maiden century, scoring 100 runs off 47 deliveries, laced with 7 fours and 8 sixes. This innings came after a disappointing debut where he was dismissed for a duck.
Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad anchored the innings superbly, finishing unbeaten on 77 off 47 balls, featuring 11 boundaries to propel India to a commanding total.
Junaid Khan criticizes Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad
After acknowledging the impressive innings of both batters, Junaid Khan noted that the pitches appeared to resemble IPL pitches, favoring the young duo’s performance.
“Well batted Abhishek and Gaikwad. Looks like the ipl pitches, suitable for the Indian batters,” Junaid Khan posted on X (formerly Twitter).
India staged a remarkable comeback after their defeat in the first T20I, crushing Zimbabwe by 100 runs to level the series 1-1 with three matches remaining. Despite losing early wickets, India’s Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad steadied the innings, with Abhishek capitalizing on a dropped chance to smash 72 runs off his final 23 balls at a stunning strike rate of 317.39.
His century off just 46 balls, marked by three consecutive sixes off Wellington Masakadza, was the third-fastest by an Indian. Ruturaj Gaikwad played a crucial supporting role, staying unbeaten while guiding India to a formidable total of 234-2 alongside Rinku Singh, who contributed 48 off 22 balls.
In response, Zimbabwe’s chase faltered early despite Brian Bennett’s aggressive start. Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan claimed three wickets each, while Ravi Bishnoi impressed with figures of 2-11 from four overs, restricting Zimbabwe to 134 all out in 18.4 overs.
