India found themselves under early pressure in the first T20I against South Africa in Cuttack after losing Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav inside the first three overs. But young opener Abhishek Sharma delivered a strong statement, counterattacking Marco Jansen with a fearless six despite being struck painfully just a ball earlier.
South Africa opted to bowl first, and the early overs justified their decision. Lungi Ngidi rocked India with two quick wickets — first removing Gill for 4 and then dismissing captain Suryakumar Yadav for 12. India slipped to 17/2, forcing an early rebuild.
Jansen, operating with steep bounce, targeted Abhishek with a sharp short ball that hit him flush on the hip, cramping him for room. The left-hander was visibly discomforted, but the response came immediately and emphatically.
On the very next delivery, Abhishek stepped across and launched Jansen into the stands for a towering six over square leg, prompting commentators to call it “a stunning response to hostile bowling.”
At the end of 3.5 overs, India moved to 25/2, with Abhishek batting on 7 off 6 balls, including that massive six, while Tilak Varma supported him on 2.
With early wickets gone and South Africa maintaining the pressure, Abhishek’s counterattack has given India vital momentum and signalled intent in a challenging start at Barabati Stadium.
