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With the five-match T20I series already decided IndiaAhead of the fifth and final game, the focus has shifted to an interesting individual battle. New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry Strategy against India’s explosive opening revealed Abhishek SharmaDespite his mixed scores, he remains one of the most talked about performers in the series.
Abhishek Sharma’s high-risk, high-reward performance
Abhishek’s journey in the ongoing series is a classic example of modern T20 batting – feast or famine. In four games so far, the left-hander has notched two stunning half-centuries with two ducks, underlining his destructive potential and the risks that come with his aggressive approach.
When Abhishek plays well, he completely takes the game away from his opponents. His stunning 84 in the series opener paved the way for India’s dominant victory, and his unbeaten 68 in the third T20I was even more eye-catching. That knock included a 14-ball 50, which was the Indian’s second-fastest score in T20 internationals and showcased his ability to neutralize bowling attacks in a matter of minutes. Both innings earned him the Man of the Match award and played a decisive role in India sealing an undisputed lead in the series.
Matt Henry’s impressive bowling in the series
On the other side of the ball, Henry was New Zealand’s rare bright spot in a challenging series. The right-arm pacer always struck early and kept India under pressure from the start.
In the fourth T20I on January 28, Henry dismissed Abhishek on the first ball of the second innings. That dismissal came after another first-ball wicket in the third T20I, when he returned the ball Sanzhou Samson. With these efforts, Henry became the first player in T20I history to take a wicket in the first innings of two consecutive games.
His influence was most evident in New Zealand’s only win of the series. Henry finished with figures of 1/24 in three overs and his early breakthrough against Abhishek set the tone for India’s 50-run defeat.
Also read: ICC T20I Rankings: Abhishek Sharma occupies first spot, Suryakumar Yadav enters top ten
Henry reveals plans to stop Abhishek
Ahead of the series final, Henry acknowledged the bowling challenge against a batsman like Abhishek, who is known for his fearlessness not only in international cricket but also in the Indian Premier League. The key, he stressed, was to keep up the pressure rather than looking for a magical teleportation.
“He has done well in the last two years and he has been attacking, not just in international cricket but in the IPL as well.” Henry said this while addressing the media on the eve of the fifth T20I.
According to Henry, bowlers have to be prepared for mixed overs against such aggressive batsmen and focus on responding strongly rather than being distracted.
“It all comes down to accuracy. You have to do exactly what you’re doing and you’re just trying to do your best,” he added.
