A shocking turn of events during a high-octane time T20 World Cup 2026 collision between India and Pakistan On February 15, 2026, India’s top order faced an immediate crisis at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
Returning to the playing XI after a bout of food poisoning that saw him lose a significant amount of weight, Abhishek Sharma’‘s long-awaited comeback ended in heartbreak as he was dismissed for a four-ball duck in the opener. The decision to play according to the match Sanju SamsonPlaying in promising form in the match against Namibia, he immediately struck back, leaving the Indian shelter and fans in stunned silence.
Bold gamble by Salman Ali Agha and Abhishek Sharma departs for a duck
Pakistan’s newly appointed captain, Salman Ali Aghaopting to open the bowling himself, he brought out what many would call the tactician of the tournament. going against the conventional wisdom of using a world-class pacer like Shaheen Afridi Agha took advantage of the sticky, slow nature of the Colombo surface with his spin for the new ball.
He deliberately targeted Abhishek’s known weakness against the spin ball and smothered him with a three-point ball that built up the pressure. In his last over, Abhishek tried to pull on the back leg in a rush against a catch and slip, resulting in a mistimed top edge that settled comfortably into Shaheen’s hand at short fine leg.
Ishan Kishan counter-attacks against Pakistan following Abhishek’s duck
In a highly charged start at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowlwith both captains, Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Agha especially avoided the traditional handshake. India made two tactical changes, bringing back and drafting star opener Abhishek Sharma for Sanju Samson. Kuldeep Yadav Using a spin-friendly track for Arshdeep Singh. Pakistan banking on the “mystery” to the unchanged field XI Osman Tariq to maintain the winning momentum.
This early strike threatened to derail the Indian batting, however Ishan Kishi had other plans, launched a breathtaking counter-attack that made Pakistan’s early celebration short-lived. Kishan welcomed Shahe with a terrific six over deep mid-wicket in the second over and followed it up with a succession of fierce boundaries against him. Saim Ayub and spinner Abrar Ahmed. supported by Tilak VarmaIndia, who found the fence with a smart slip in the final over, reached 52/1 at the end of the Powerplay, successfully turning a disastrous start into a dominant score by nearly nine runs.
Here’s how the fans reacted:
Meet Abhishek Sharma
– He never performs when India needs him.
– Failed in the final of the Asian Cup.
– Got out for a duck in his first World Cup match.
– Duck also against Pakistan.He simply cannot stand the pressure.
Sanju Samson should have played ahead of him against Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/TxHgTbfAyM— Abhishek Kumar (@Abhishek060722) February 15, 2026
Surya Kumar Yadav put unnecessary pressure on Abhishek Sharma in the press conference and now he is out for a duck. He will be trolled unnecessarily.
— Abhishek (@MSDianAbhiii) February 15, 2026
That’s two ducks in a row for abhishek. Is Sanju starting to get her treatment from the media? You’ll probably see for the millionth time that this whole game is about PR, stardom and brand leverage.
— Bharat Dhir (@babaBharatDhir) February 15, 2026
What a lazy shot from Abhishek. He must not have fully recovered, but he also looked lethargic. If so, they should have played Sanju Samson instead.
– Rivalry February 15, 2026
Abhishek Sharma played 2 matches in this World Cup and went 0 in both. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson got just 1 chance and scored 22 runs off 8 balls at a strike rate of 250+. But now you will see the double standards of ICT enthusiasts, they will not criticize Abhishek because he… pic.twitter.com/y4JI3JXW3d
— Mahi Patel (@Mahi_Patel_07) February 15, 2026
Abhishek Sharma’s 0 in such a high-pressure game against PAK today proves that International cricket is a different animal from the IPL.
Although Abhishek has the ‘X-factor’, it now feels unfair that people are targeting Sanju Samson for his last 22 (8) against Namibia. Sanju’s years… pic.twitter.com/Nj8aD6Jh6Q
— Gully Point (@gullypoint_) February 15, 2026
Concept of abhishek sharma getting a duck against pakistan in t20 toilet as rohit sharma watches from the stands
— Aryan (@Emmahivve) February 15, 2026
Sharma is gone! Abhishek is not Rohit.
— Daniel Khan (@Beautifulday98X) February 15, 2026
Abhishek Sharma is Sunil Narine with no bowling skills!
— Sameer (@BawliBooch5) February 15, 2026
Gautam Gambhir with Abhishek Sharma in the dressing room…#INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/4ZM8c74kV
— HITESH _❤️🔥_BAWA (@Isdilkakyakru) February 15, 2026
