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Abhishek Sharma's Offspin Woes Continue in T20WC Semifinal vs England

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma's difficult T20 World Cup campaign continued as he fell cheaply to offspin in the semifinal against England. He was dismissed for just 9 runs off 7 balls by Will Jacks, caught in the deep. Throughout the tournament, Sharma has managed only 89 runs in seven innings, averaging a meager 12.71. His specific struggle against offspin is stark, with just 29 runs off 27 balls and three dismissals in five innings against that style of bowling.

Key Points: Abhishek Sharma's Poor T20WC Run vs Offspin Continues

  • Dismissed for 9 vs England
  • Poor avg of 9.66 vs offspin
  • 3 dismissals to offies in 5 inns
  • Only 89 runs in 7 tournament matches
2 min read

Abhishek Sharma poor T20WC run continues, falls to offspin for third time

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma dismissed by offspin again in T20 World Cup semifinal. His tournament struggles detailed as India faces England.

Abhishek Sharma poor T20WC run continues, falls to offspin for third time
"In this tournament against off-spin, Abhishek has been poor... being dismissed thrice in five innings - Match Report"

Mumbai, March 5

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma continued his poor run against off-spin in the ongoing T20 World Cup as he yet again had a poor outing against England in the semifinal at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

Abhishek looked promising in the start, getting two boundaries against Will Jacks. The spinner and England's star performer in this tournament had the last laugh as Abhishek attempted a flick, which came from the bottom of his bat and landed into hands of Phil Salt, who came running from deep midwicket, removing him for just nine runs in seven balls.

In this tournament against off-spin, Abhishek has been poor against off-spin, scoring just 29 runs in 27 balls at an average of 9.66, being dismissed thrice in five innings against offies and has a strike rate of just 107.40 against them.

In seven matches and innings in this tournament, Abhishek has scored just 89 runs at an average of 12.71 and a strike rate of 130.88, with just one fifty, 55 runs against Zimbabwe in a crucial Super Eight clash.

England won the toss and Team India is batting first in the semi-final clash against England in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.

The winner of the match will advance to the final to face New Zealand on March 8 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

England made one change in their playing XI, replacing spinner Rehan Ahmed with pacer Jamie Overton, whereas India are going with the same team.

India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (w), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.

England (Playing XI): Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (w), Harry Brook (c), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
It's a World Cup semi-final at the Wankhede! The pressure is immense. While his stats are poor, we must remember he's young. Hope the team management works with him on this weakness. The middle order needs to step up now!
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David E
Watching from the UK. Will Jacks has been brilliant this tournament. It was a clever piece of bowling and field placement. Abhishek's struggle is now a known pattern. England will feel they have a key advantage early on.
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Ananya R
Yaar, this is so frustrating! 27 balls against off-spin for just 29 runs? That's not T20 cricket. He needs to go back to the nets with a specific plan. But let's not boo our own player, the match is still on! #TeamIndia
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Vikram M
Respectfully, the selection is questionable. Persisting with a player who has such a glaring weakness in a knockout game is a big gamble. Our batting lineup looks a bit thin. Hope SKY and Pandya play a blinder.
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Sarah B
The pressure of a home World Cup is something else. That strike rate of 107 against offies is a major concern. England's bowling change worked perfectly. Interesting tactical battle so far.

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