Abhishek Sharma Out First Ball Again! Pakistan Stuns India in T20 World Cup
India’s hopes in Colombo took an immediate hit as Abhishek Sharma, back in the playing eleven, was dismissed for a four-ball duck in the very first over against Pakistan. It was a bold move from Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, who chose to take the new ball himself and it paid off instantly. Sharma, looking to make a quick start, couldn’t find his rhythm and handed Pakistan an early breakthrough that set the tone for the contest.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Sharma has now been dismissed without scoring in consecutive matches at the T20 World Cup 2026, after a duck against the USA and missing the Namibia game due to a stomach infection. The pattern is concerning for India, especially in a high-stakes clash against their arch-rivals. The pressure on openers is immense in a fixture of this magnitude and Sharma’s struggles are now under intense scrutiny from fans and analysts alike.
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Pakistan, by contrast, showed sharp tactical awareness. Salman Ali Agha’s decision to open the bowling himself wasn’t just aggressive—it was a calculated psychological move. By striking early, he not only dented India’s scoreline but also immediately put pressure on the middle order. The R Premadasa Stadium crowd could feel the tension from the very first ball and the early dismissal amplified the stakes.
On the Indian side, captain Suryakumar Yadav and his squad reshuffled the lineup, bringing in Kuldeep Yadav and reinstating Sharma, but the gamble didn’t pay off at the start. Meanwhile, the ongoing off-field tensions were visible as there was no handshake at the toss, echoing a trend from the Asia Cup last year. These elements combined to create a high-pressure environment before even a ball was bowled.
Critics have long debated Sharma’s playing style. Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir had labelled him a “slogger,” someone who relies on big hits over solid technique. His approach, high-risk and aggressive, can yield spectacular results on his day, but it leaves him vulnerable against disciplined bowling. Today, that vulnerability was exposed and it raises questions about India’s opening options in crucial World Cup fixtures.
For India, this early setback will be a test of resilience. Middle-order batsmen now have the task of stabilizing the innings and countering Pakistan’s momentum. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how India responds and whether Sharma can overcome this rough patch.
Stay with us as this high-octane clash unfolds and we bring you the latest updates, expert analysis and live developments from the T20 World Cup. Don’t miss a single moment of this historic India-Pakistan showdown.
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