IN PICS | Abhishek Sharma’s first T20 ton helps India beat Zimbabwe by 100 runs

Abhishek Sharma scored his first Twenty20 century as India crushed Zimbabwe by 100 runs in the second T20 on Sunday to level the five-match series at 1-1. (Photo | AP)

Sharma put behind him his nightmare T20I debut on Saturday — a four-ball duck — as he smashed eight sixes and seven fours before he fell to Wellington Masakadza for 100 off 47 balls.

Zimbabwe had stunned newly crowned T20 world champion India in the series opener, winning by 13 runs.

Ruturaj Gaikwad finished Sunday with an undefeated 77 off 47 balls, while Rinku Singh smashed a 22-ball 48 not out as India turned around its poor batting display in the first T20 to finish with 234-2 after choosing to bat first.

Abhishek Sharma reached 50 off 33 balls, and then accelerated by reaching his hundred off a total of 46 balls before his dismissal. He scored his second 50 off only 13 deliveries, reaching his century in style with three straight sixes off Masakadza in the 14th over.

In reply, Zimbabwe was bowled out for 134 runs in 18.4 overs.

Avesh Khan got into the act, striking twice against the middle order, as Zimbabwe was down to 46-4 in four overs.

Pacers Avesh Khan (3-15) and Mukesh Kumar (3-37) shared six wickets, while wrist spinner Ravi Bishnoi took 2-11 in four overs.

“The defeat yesterday wasn’t easy for us. I felt today was my day and I made it count," Abhishek Sharma said. “As a youngster, you always want to express yourself. I always believe in my ability.”