IND vs AUS 2nd T20I: India lose, but Abhishek Sharma earns praise for valiant fight
Abhishek Sharma once again stepped up when India needed him, producing a commanding half-century in the second T20I against Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. In front of a vibrant crowd, the left-hander showed impressive calm and maturity, anchoring the first innings in the IND vs AUS 2nd T20I, even as wickets fell regularly around him. On a surface that offered assistance to the bowlers and posed challenges for most of the Indian batting lineup, Abhishek brought up his fifty in just 23 deliveries, handling the fiery Australian pace attack with confidence.
Abhishek Sharma termed 'Next level' after his fighting but fiery knock in the IND vs AUS 2nd T20I
While partners at the non-striker’s end kept rotating, Abhishek Sharma continued to find boundaries and maintain the scoring rate in the IND vs AUS 2nd ODI. However, the Men in Blue were unable to rotate the strike to him frequently enough, leaving him to face only 37 balls during his stay. With others struggling for fluency, many deliveries were absorbed without adding value, reducing the support he needed to convert the innings into something even bigger.
His innings in the otherwise India vs Australia contest at the MCG drew praise from across the cricketing fraternity. Former England great Kevin Pietersen took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his admiration for Abhishek’s growing stature and clean ball-striking ability. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan also commended the youngster, highlighting the composure he displayed while the rest of the lineup faltered.
"Abhishek is seriously NEXT LEVEL," Pietersen wrote on X.
"Abhishek sharma playing on a different pitch," Irfan Pathan exclaimed.
Abhishek is seriously NEXT LEVEL
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) October 31, 2025
The valiant knock by Abhishek Sharma came to an end in the 19th over when Nathan Ellis trapped him plumb in front while he was attempting to accelerate further. The young opener finished with a superb 68, decorated with eight boundaries and two sixes, an exceptional contribution on a surface where timing was difficult to find.
Abhishek sharma playing on a different pitch? Brilliant half century
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 31, 2025
At the other end after the visitors were put to bat first in the India vs Australia T20I in Melbourne, Josh Hazlewood showcased his renowned precision. The senior pacer tore through India’s top order with clinical accuracy reminiscent of his Test-match discipline. He accounted for Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma early on, underlining his readiness ahead of the upcoming Ashes.
Meanwhile, the guests did find some resistance through Harshit Rana, who partnered Abhishek in the middle overs to help push the total past the 100-run mark. Rana played sensibly for his 35 off 33 deliveries, and the pair added a crucial 56-run stand for the sixth wicket after India were left reeling at 49 for five in the eighth over.
However, with a defense as penetrable as 125, it was only a matter of time before the hosts chased down the total in the 2nd T20I. While the IND vs AUS opener was washed out in Canberra, the Melbourne Cricket Ground witnessed Mitchell Marsh and his team completely annihilating the reigning World Cup champions. Although India managed to put up a fight by taking six wickets, Australia ultimately won the clash by four wickets with forty balls to spare.
