New Delhi, March 8 -- India opener Abhishek Sharma silenced his critics on Sunday as he slammed an 18-ball half-century in the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad.

Abhishek Sharma had got off to a forgettable start to this T20 World Cup, registering three consecutive ducks. He then scored 15 runs against South Africa, after which he scored a 30-ball 55 against Zimbabwe in the second Super 8 match.

He wasn't back to his best just yet, as registered scores of 10 and nine in the next two games against West Indies (Super 8) and England (semi-finals).

On Sunday, the Punjab batter forged a 98-run partnership with Sanju Samson for the first wicket, before being dismissed for 52 by Rachin Ravindra in the eighth over.

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