Abhishek Sharma produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting as he blasted 135 off just 54 balls, propelling India to a commanding 247/9 against England in the fifth T20I at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. His knock not only set a new benchmark for Indian T20I batsmen but also ensured a resounding 150-run victory, sealing the series 4-1 for the hosts.
Sharma’s Record-Breaking Knock: A Masterclass in T20 Power-Hitting
Abhishek’s innings is now etched in history as the highest score by an Indian in T20Is, surpassing Shubman Gill’s 126* against New Zealand in 2023. The 24-year-old left-hander also broke Rohit Sharma’s record for the most sixes by an Indian batter in a T20I innings, finishing with an astonishing 13 sixes. His century, achieved in just 37 balls, is the second-fastest by an Indian in T20I cricket, just behind Rohit’s 35-ball mark.
Abhishek’s carnage against the England bowlers was unstoppable. He dismantled pacers and spinners alike, striking with precision on the off-side and displaying superb power with sixes over long-off, square leg, and mid-wicket. His 54-ball blitz featured seven fours, helping India set their highest-ever T20I total against England, bettering their previous best of 224/2 in 2021.
England Crumble in Response: India’s Bowlers Fire
While India’s batting was a sight to behold, England’s chase never got off the ground. Phil Salt gave England some hope with a rapid 55 off 23 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes. However, once Salt fell, the rest of the batting lineup collapsed in spectacular fashion.
The England top order completely faltered as Ben Duckett (0), Jos Buttler (7), Harry Brook (2), and Liam Livingstone (9) crumbled under pressure, managing a combined total of just 18 runs. England was bowled out for a paltry 97 in just 10.3 overs, marking their second-lowest total in T20I history.
Abhishek, not content with his batting exploits, returned to haunt England with the ball, taking 2/3 in his only over, dismissing Brydon Carse (3) and Jamie Overton (1) to further exacerbate the visitors’ woes. Mohammed Shami was the pick of the bowlers with 3/25, while Shivam Dube (2/11), Varun Chakravarthy (2/25), and Ravi Bishnoi (1/9) also played their parts in dismantling England.
India’s Dominance: A Comprehensive Performance
With Abhishek’s monumental innings leading the charge, India posted a formidable total. The 115-run partnership for the second wicket between Abhishek and Tilak Varma (24) came off just 43 balls, while Shivam Dube (30) provided additional impetus with a brisk 37-run stand off just 18 balls.
India’s opening pair of Sanju Samson (16) and Suryakumar Yadav (2) had brief moments of success, with Samson smashing two sixes off Jofra Archer in the first over, but both were dismissed cheaply. Samson fell to a short ball from Mark Wood, while Suryakumar’s struggles continued as he was dismissed after top-edging a shot to wicketkeeper Phil Salt.
A Series to Remember for India
This crushing 150-run victory is India’s second-largest margin of victory in T20Is, trailing only their 168-run demolition of New Zealand in 2023. Abhishek Sharma’s heroics will undoubtedly be the highlight of the series, as India completed a comprehensive 4-1 series win over England.
Brief Scores:
- India: 247/9 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 135, Shivam Dube 30, Tilak Varma 24; Brydon Carse 3/38, Mark Wood 2/32)
- England: 97 all out in 10.3 overs (Phil Salt 55; Mohammed Shami 3/25, Shivam Dube 2/11, Varun Chakravarthy 2/25, Abhishek Sharma 2/3)
