Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma recorded India’s highest opening partnership in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 with a 48-run stand in Chennai. Samson scored 24 off 15 balls. Abhishek, who had three ducks in the last 4 innings, bounced back with a half-century against Zimbabwe, drawing praise from Irfan Pathan and Ravichandran Ashwin.

Chennai: Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma on Thursday registered India’s highest opening partnership in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, 48 runs. Samson departed scoring 24 off 15 balls, hitting one four and two sixes at MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Netizens React

"No opener on a duck. Thank You Sanju Samson for saving Team India," one of the user said.

Another user blamed luck for his wicket, "Sanju Samson doesn't have the luck on his side . Just look at the dropped catches of Ishan Kishan and Abishek Sharma."

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan, backing Samson, said,"Sanju Samson did his job."

"Sanju makes a come back at Chepauk and looks in pristine form. A big summer bonanza in the offing for all the fans," former India player Ravichandran Ashwin said.

Meanwhile, Indian opener Abhishek Sharma, who had been struggling to find form in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, made a strong comeback with a half-century against Zimbabwe. Sharma had earlier been dismissed for a duck in the last three out of four innings.