Abhishek Sharma, ranked as the world’s number one T20 batter, registered his third consecutive duck at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Wednesday, falling to Netherlands bowler Aryan Dutt in Ahmedabad. Despite Sharma’s continued struggles, India secured a 17-run victory over the Netherlands, maintaining their unbeaten record in the tournament.
Dutt, a Dutch off-spinner, dismissed Sharma on the third ball of the first over. The delivery, pitched at a back of a length on middle and off stump, skidded in with the angle, prompting a wild swipe from Sharma that missed completely and struck the leg stump, according to reports from the Times of India.
This latest dismissal marks the third time Sharma has been out for zero in the tournament. He previously recorded golden ducks against the USA in India’s opening match and against Pakistan on Sunday. He was sidelined for the match against Namibia due to a stomach infection and subsequent hospitalisation in New Delhi.
The Netherlands’ strategy of employing Aryan Dutt early in the innings proved effective, mirroring a tactic previously used by Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha. Dutt’s ability to generate pace and movement off the fresh surface contributed to Sharma’s dismissal, as reported by Outlook India.
India won the toss and elected to bat first at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian captain, confirmed two changes to the playing XI prior to the match. The Men in Blue were aiming to secure their fourth win in the group stage and build momentum heading into the Super Eights. The Netherlands, meanwhile, sought an upset victory in a tournament that has seen several associate cricket teams perform strongly.
Despite Sharma’s early exit, India posted a competitive total, ultimately defeating the Netherlands by 17 runs. The outcome confirms India’s qualification for the Super Eights stage of the tournament.
