The high-voltage second semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 between India and England at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai began with early drama as England made a strong start with the ball. After winning the toss, the English skipper Harry Brook chose to bowl first — a decision that paid immediate dividends as India lost opener Abhishek Sharma cheaply in the early overs.
The Indian left-hander, who has been known for his aggressive batting at the top, failed to make an impact on the big stage. His early dismissal not only put India under early pressure but also triggered a strong reaction from fans on social media, many of whom expressed frustration over his performance.
Will Jacks dismisses Abhishek Sharma in the second over
The crucial moment came on the last ball of the second over when England spinner Will Jacks struck a vital blow. Bowling a slower delivery at around 85.4 kph, Jacks cleverly drifted the ball inward, tempting Abhishek to attack.
Looking to dominate the spinner, Abhishek advanced down the track and backed away to attempt an aerial flick. However, the timing was completely off as the shot came off the bottom part of the bat. The ball traveled towards deep midwicket, where Phil Salt ran in sharply and completed a comfortable catch.
Jacks celebrated the wicket with visible intensity, knowing the importance of removing an attacking opener early in such a crucial knockout encounter. The dismissal once again highlighted Abhishek’s struggles against spin, as he fell to an off-spinner in a similar fashion.
Fans mercilessly troll Abhishek for his poor performance
Soon after the dismissal, social media platforms were flooded with reactions from fans. Many fans expressed disappointment with Abhishek Sharma’s shot selection, especially considering the importance of the match. Several fans pointed out that attempting a risky aerial shot so early in the innings against a spinner was unnecessary. Others criticised his recent performances and questioned whether he had done enough to justify his place in such a high-stakes game.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Abhishek Sharma has been a very very big letdown this World Cup. Don’t recall any batsman going from being an X factor in a format to being so helpless and clueless – peaked too soon perhaps #IndvsEng #ICCT20WorldCup2026
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) March 5, 2026
Abhishek Sharma’s poor patch continues as Will Jacks dismissed the Indian opener cheaply 👀#INDvsENG #T20WorldCup2026 #AbhishekSharma pic.twitter.com/ffZdOnKW7x
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 5, 2026
🚨 MEET THE INDIAN ZIMBU ABHISHEK SHARMA 🚨
Recent innings:
– 10(11) vs WI
– 55(30) vs ZIM
– 15(12) vs SA
– 0(1) vs NED
– 0(2) vs PAKAbhishek is just a flat track bully who forgot how to bat after one fifty against Zimbabwe. 🤯pic.twitter.com/MZAEiA3Icb
— Sam (@Cricsam01) March 5, 2026
Abhishek Sharma in clutch situations-
– Ipl Final : 2(5)
– Ipl Playoffs : 3(4)
– Ipl Playoffs : 12(5)
– Asia Cup final(vs PAK) : 5(6)
– Ind vs pak (WC) : 0(4)
– Ind vs Wi, knockout (WC) : 10(11)
-Ind Vs Eng , semi final WC : 9(6) pic.twitter.com/oGCdacShAd— 🚩 (@was_groottt18) March 5, 2026
Yuvi paaji to Abhishek Sharma #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/z0oaLQmGaU
— SwatKat💃 (@swatic12) March 5, 2026
Currently the best scammer of Indian cricket team, Abhishek Sharma 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/bupK4YQ5yk
— Kolly Censor (@KollyCensor) March 5, 2026
Abhishek Sharma has zero game awareness
Abhishek Sharma has zero game awareness
Abhishek Sharma has zero game awareness
Abhishek Sharma has zero game awareness#INDvENG #AbhishekSharma pic.twitter.com/TMQMUt3UD4
— sanjeev Dsr (@Varisuthehunter) March 5, 2026
Abhishek Sharma goes for 9 of 7 balls. 💔😭
– What Happen Abhi, Another Once Failure For Abhishek. 🥺#AbhishekSharma | #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/XtNCRyhEqa
— Abhishek Sharma Fc (@Abhishek_Fan_) March 5, 2026
🚨ABHISHEK SHARMA IN T20 WC 2026 IS A BIG FLOP🚨
– He was touted as the highest run getter of the competition
– He came here as No 1 T20 batter with everything going his way
– He scored three ducks in his first three outings which was a shock
– He struggled in his short stay… pic.twitter.com/IlRTiBW7dQ— Akshat (@Akshatgoel1408) March 5, 2026
Abhishek Sharma is a Blind Slogger
Abhishek Sharma is a Blind Slogger
Abhishek Sharma is a Blind Slogger
Abhishek Sharma is a Blind Slogger
Abhishek Sharma is a Blind Slogger
Abhishek Sharma is a Blind Slogger
Abhishek Sharma is a Blind Slogger#INDvENG— Irushi ♡ˎˊ˗ (@Im_IrushiK) March 5, 2026
Bring back shubman Gill and drop this fraud T20 player abhishek Sharma. pic.twitter.com/Ae3N1rSQjo
— Prince (@JjhaPrince) March 5, 2026
Abhishek Sharma is literally the biggest flop in this edition of T20 World Cup.#AbhishekSharma #T20WorldCup #INDvsENG
— Sarthak Tripathi (@Sarthak14042003) March 5, 2026
Abhishek “FREE WICKET” Sharma #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/lsBiv6XZcs
— Vishesh ヴィシェシュ (@7_vishesh) March 5, 2026
Watching Abhishek Sharma bat, it almost feels like he thinks this is a local tournament and he has already secured his place forever. Unfortunately, international cricket doesn’t reward that kind of attitude. Talent needs responsibility, not just reckless slogging#INDvsENG#T20
— Panks (@pankajbiswas6) March 5, 2026
Abhishek sharma will became Prithvi shaw very soon #INDvsENG
— मुसाफिर (@1ms1___) March 5, 2026
Abhishek Sharma ko team se bahar nikal dena chahiye#INDvsENG https://t.co/LY9Wii4QEB
— राष्ट्रवादी (@royalrajput102) March 5, 2026
So many chances, same result every time.
Abhishek Sharma needs a long break in domestic cricket after this horrible tournament.#INDvENG #AbhishekSharma #GalaxyAI— Abhishek Yadav (@Abhishek_sy_) March 5, 2026
Abhishek Sharma seems to be the most out of form batsman currently in world cricket, it is unfortunate, specially the timing of it.
Chin up boy @IamAbhiSharma4— Siddharth Garg (@SidCricket4) March 5, 2026
Also READ: Top 5 fastest centuries in T20 World Cup history ft. Finn Allen
