Abhishek Sharma’s 69 propels India to 14-run win over West Indies in third T20I

Abhishek Sharma scored 69 as India defeated the West Indies by 14 runs in the third T20I at Indore on Sunday, October 12, 2026. He began cautiously before accelerating and reached his 14th T20I half-century off just 18 deliveries.

Noting the glitter of his jewellery before addressing the media, the 26-year-old India opener chose a measured start rather than his usual all-out approach. Mindful that Roston Chase had troubled him in earlier meetings, Abhishek played the ball along the ground against the off-spinner and speedster Shamar Joseph in the PowerPlay. That early calm gave way to aggressive strokeplay, a burst the West Indies could not contain until the 10th over.

On his tactics he said: “It (hitting mostly on the off-side) was not a deliberate plan. But I knew that they had a plan for me, so I had to play better than that. With the off-spinner bowling the first over, it was a battle between him and me. I gave him respect in the first over because he has been bowling really well in this series. My plan went really well,” Abhishek reflected on his approach during the 69-run knock.

He described the role of preparation and practice in shaping his innings: “Preparation is really important if I want to continue playing like this and utilise the PowerPlay. It depends on the team and the bowlers I am going to face,” Abhishek said. “I want to execute my plan really well and dominate as well. As an attacking batter, I have to be ready for all plans when facing world-class bowlers. I make myself uncomfortable in practice so that I am not surprised in a match,” he added.

Abhishek’s assault forced the West Indies into damage-limitation tactics as he raced to his half-century in 18 balls. “He is a world-class player... kudos to him. We tried to be as defensive as possible and make him get singles and doubles rather than boundaries. It was a matter of trying to pull him back,” Shamar Springer admitted after being at the receiving end.

After all, for India, Abhishek is the gift that keeps on giving.

Published - October 12, 2026 11:23 pm IST - INDORE