Junaid Khan brutally mocks Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad after splendid knocks in the 2nd T20I vs Zimbabwe

Former Pakistan fast bowler Junaid Khan has taken a dig at India's young batters Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad after their brilliant performance in the second T20I against Zimbabwe.

Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad put on a mammoth 137-run partnership for the second wicket and smashed Zimbabwe's bowlers all around the park. Abhishek smashed his maiden international century in just his second match. The left-hander scored 100 runs off 47 balls, which included 7 fours and 8 sixes. This knock came after he had been dismissed for a duck in his debut match.

On the other hand, Ruturaj Gaikwad remained not out till the end on 77 off 47 balls. He smashed 11 fours and 1 six during his knock and made sure India put a massive score on the board.

Also read: India group matches in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 fixtures announced; to take place at this venue

Junaid Khan takes a dig at Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad

Looking at the innings of both batters, Junaid Khan first congratulated the batters for their brilliant knocks. However, he also added that the pitches look like the IPL pitches, which is suitable for these two youngsters

"Well batted Abhishek and Gaikwad. Looks like the ipl pitches, suitable for the Indian batters," Junaid Khan posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Well batted Abhishek and Gaikwad
Looks like the ipl pitches, suitable for the Indian batters. #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->s<!---->Z<!---->I<!---->M

— Junaid khan (@JunaidkhanREAL) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4

India make a superb comeback after losing the first T20I

Coming to the match, India smashed a hapless Zimbabwe by 100 runs to level the series 1-1 with three matches to play. After the loss in the first game, the young Indian side made a terrific comeback and showed brilliant character to dismantle their opposition.

After choosing to bat first after winning the toss, India got off to a bad start with captain Shubman Gill dismissed early. But Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad took their time and stood at the wicket, despite the conditions not being easy for batting.

The turning point came when Abhishek was dropped. The left-hander simply opened up after that and started playing his shots. He smashed 72 off his last 23 balls at a strike rate of 317.39 after getting dropped. The 23-year-old showed his full range of strokes and didn't allow the bowlers to get on top.

Abhishek Sharma reached his century off 46 balls with three consecutive sixes off Wellington Masakadza. In the process, he also scored the third-fastest century by an Indian.

On the other hand, Ruturaj Gaikwad played a perfect supporting hand by batting till the end. He stitched an unbeaten partnership of 87 runs off 36 balls with Rinku Singh to take India to a massive score of 234-2. Rinku scored 48 off 22 balls, which included 2 fours and 5 sixes.

Chasing 235 to win, Zimbabwe took an aggressive route but kept on losing wickets. Brian Bennett provided them a fiery start but once he was dismissed by Mukesh Kumar, the wickets fell in clusters. Opener Wesley Madhevere tried his best to play long but the Indian bowlers proved to be too good.

In the end, they were bundled out for just 134 in 18.4 overs. Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan picked up 3 wickets apiece for India while Ravi Bishnoi continued his good form with 2-11 in four overs.