Abhishek out for a third consecutive duck, yet India remain unbeaten

India’s number one T20 batter Abhishek Sharma’s nightmare continues at the World Cup. He was dismissed for a third consecutive duck against the Netherlands in Ahmedabad. However, it had no impact on the team’s result. India wrapped up the group stage with a 17-run victory, finishing unbeaten with four wins from four matches.

With Super 8 qualification already secured, the hosts opted to bat first after winning the toss. But India’s top order came under pressure early. The Netherlands’ disciplined bowling made scoring difficult for the openers. Abhishek was dismissed after facing just three balls, falling to a back-of-a-length delivery from Aryan Dutt. He became the first batter in T20 World Cup history to register three consecutive ducks in his first three innings. It was his fifth duck of the calendar year.

India recovered through their middle order. A blistering knock from Shivam Dube powered them to a strong total. Dube smashed 66 off 31 balls, including four fours and six sixes. He was supported by Tilak Varma (31), Suryakumar Yadav (34) and Hardik Pandya (30). India eventually posted 193 for 6. Aryan Dutt and Logan van Beek shared five wickets between them but could not contain the flow of runs.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s win ended the Netherlands’ hopes of reaching the Super 8s. As a result, they were under pressure from the start of the chase. Openers Michael Levitt and Max O’Dowd struggled to accelerate. India spinner Varun Chakravarthy turned the game with figures of 3 for 14 in three overs. He also dismissed Dutt for a duck, avenging Abhishek’s earlier dismissal.

At 94 for 4 in 13 overs, the Netherlands were never really in contention. Late boundaries from Zach Lion-Cachet and Noah Croes were not enough to threaten the target. They fell short at the end of 20 overs.

India thus finished Group A with a perfect record and head into the Super 8 stage full of confidence.