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Pak Skipper Hopes Abhishek Sharma Recovers for India T20 WC Clash

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha expressed hope that Indian opener Abhishek Sharma recovers in time for their T20 World Cup clash, stating his team wants to face India at full strength. Sharma was hospitalised with a stomach infection, causing him to miss India's previous match against Namibia. Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav indicated Sharma "is still not fine" and may miss more games. Sharma entered the tournament as the world's top-ranked T20I batter and has a strong record against Pakistan.

Key Points: Pak Captain Hopes Abhishek Sharma Plays vs India

  • Abhishek Sharma's match status uncertain
  • Hospitalised with stomach infection
  • Pakistan wants to face India's best
  • Top-ranked T20I batter
  • Missed previous game vs Namibia
2 min read

Hope Abhishek Sharma is recovering well, can play tomorrow: Pak skipper Salman Ali Agha

Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha hopes Indian opener Abhishek Sharma recovers from illness to play in the T20 World Cup marquee clash.

"I really hope he plays tomorrow because we want to play against the best team they have. - Salman Ali Agha"

Colombo, February 14

Ahead of his side's ICC T20 World Cup clash against India, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha has hoped that Indian opener Abhishek Sharma is recovering well and will play tomorrow's marquee clash as his side wants to play against the "best team" of the Men in Blue.

Abhishek, who scored a golden duck in the campaign opener against the USA, missed the Delhi clash against Namibia following hospitalisation due to a stomach infection. While he has been discharged, there is still no clarity if he will play against Pakistan or not.

"I really hope - we all know he is a good player, and I really hope he plays tomorrow because we want to play against the best team they have, and I really hope he is recovering well and can play tomorrow," said Agha during the pre-match presser.

Abhishek, who made his T20 debut after India's 2024 World Cup title, has scored 1,297 runs in 38 matches and 37 innings at an average of 37.05 and a strike rate of 194.74, with two centuries and eight fifties and a best score of 135.

He entered this year's T20 WC as the world's top-ranked T20I batter.

In three matches against Pakistan, he has made 110 runs at an average of 36.66 and a strike rate of 189.65, with a best score of 74.

Following the toss against Namibia yesterday, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav had said Abhishek "is still not fine" and "will miss a game or two."

The Indian opener was hospitalised due to a stomach infection, according to a BCCI source. The southpaw was not looking well during the team dinner at the head coach Gautam Gambhir's residence on Sunday, and was the first to leave the place.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Classy statement. This is the spirit of cricket we love to see. The India-Pakistan match is always special, and it's better when both teams are at full strength. Get well soon, Abhishek!
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Aman W
Respect for the sentiment, but honestly, we have good bench strength. If he's not fit, don't risk him. Players like Jaiswal can step up. The team's long-term plans are more important than one match, even if it's against Pakistan.
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Priyanka N
His stats against Pakistan are scary good! No wonder they want him to play 😉. But seriously, stomach infections are no joke. The medical team should take the final call, not the pressure of a big match.
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Karthik V
This is just mind games, yaar. They know he's a key player and saying this puts subtle pressure on our team management to play him even if he's 70%. We should be smart and not fall for it. Health is wealth.
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Michael C
As a neutral fan, I agree. Marquee clashes lose some shine when star players are missing. Hope he recovers in time. That strike rate of 194 is pure entertainment!

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