India got off to a flying start in the fifth T20I against South Africa as Abhishek Sharma launched a blistering assault on Marco Jansen, smashing a hat-trick of fours in the opening over.
Coming into the attack as the left-arm pacer, Jansen was taken apart by Abhishek, who showed no hesitation in freeing his arms. The Indian opener first sliced a full delivery over backward point, followed it up by charging down the track and hammering another boundary through the off side, before finishing the sequence with a crisp cut to third man.
Abhishek raced to 17 off just 6 balls, striking four boundaries, as India surged to 18 without loss in 1.3 overs, setting the early tone after South Africa opted to bowl first.
With Sanju Samson at the other end and the ball coming nicely onto the bat at the Narendra Modi Stadium, India made full use of the powerplay, putting immediate pressure on the South African bowling attack.
