MUMBAI, Feb 2: The phenomenal Abhishek Sharma shattered records with an astonishing 54-ball 135, marking the second-fastest century and the highest score by an Indian in T20Is. His remarkable performance led the hosts to a dominant 150-run victory over a struggling England in the fifth T20I, clinching the series 4-1 on Sunday.
Abhishek unleashed a fierce attack as India amassed a staggering 247/9, their highest T20I score against England, after the visitors opted to field. In response, England capitulated, bowled out for a mere 97 within 10.3 overs.
This victory by 150 runs stands as India’s second-largest win by runs in T20Is, following their record 168-run victory over New Zealand in 2023.
While Phil Salt initiated a rapid score with a blistering 55 runs off 23 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes, the rest of the England lineup faltered, collapsing under pressure at Wankhede Stadium.
The England batting order crumbled with key players—such as Ben Duckett (0), Jos Buttler (7), Harry Brook (2), and Liam Livingstone (9)—collectively managing only 18 runs in what was an ideal batting surface.
England’s tail failed to offer any support. After effortlessly demolishing their bowling attack, Abhishek returned to wreak havoc on England’s batting lineup, claiming two wickets (2/3) in his sole over.
Mohammed Shami was exceptional with figures of 3/25, Shivam Dube took 2/11, Varun Chakravarthy garnered 2/25, and Ravi Bishnoi contributed 1/9.
However, the evening belonged to Abhishek, who decimated the English bowlers with a display of aggressive batting, characterized by powerful strokes against both pace and spin, etching his name into the record books.
At just 24 years old, Abhishek came close to breaking Rohit Sharma’s record for the fastest T20I century (35 balls) for an Indian batter but ultimately reached the milestone in 37 balls, marking the second-fastest three-figure score while also setting the record for the fastest fifty for India off just 17 balls.
Additionally, Abhishek shattered the record for the most sixes by an Indian in a T20I innings, blasting Brydon Carse (3/38) for his 11th six in the 17th over, concluding with a total of 13 sixes.
His monumental innings, which included seven fours, stands as the highest individual score by an Indian in T20Is, surpassing Shubman Gill’s 126 not out against New Zealand in Ahmedabad in 2023.
Abhishek also played a crucial role in securing India’s highest T20I score against England, exceeding their previous total of 224/2 in Ahmedabad in 2021.
This innings represents India’s fourth-highest total in T20Is.
The left-handed Abhishek displayed exceptional control on the off-side, accumulating runs with ease, leaving England desperately searching for answers.
He confidently charged down the pitch to strike express pacer Jofra Archer (1/55) while effortlessly cutting and driving against the other bowlers.
A highlight of his innings was when he sent a low full toss from Overton soaring for a six, bringing up his fifty and aiding India in setting a record power play total of 95/1.
Overton’s fifth over was particularly costly as Abhishek racked up 25 runs, including three sixes and a four.
While Sanju Samson (16) and Suryakumar Yadav (2) struggled to find form, Tilak Varma (24) and Shivam Dube (30) provided solid partnerships with Abhishek.
Varma supported Abhishek in a remarkable 115-run second-wicket partnership off just 43 balls, while Dube took charge in a quick 37-run stand off 18 balls for the fourth wicket.
Initially, Samson found his rhythm early, hammering Archer for two sixes in the first over, which yielded 14 runs.
Unfortunately, Samson fell to a short ball attempting a big hit, ending up with a 6-ball 16 as Mark Wood claimed an easy catch at backward square leg.
India’s captain Suryakumar faced disappointment as he struggled to find his footing at Wankhede Stadium, getting dismissed after a top edge led to a clever catch by England’s keeper Phil Salt.
Brief Scores: India 247 for 9 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 135, Tilak Varma 24, Shivam Dube 30; Brydon Carse 3/38, Mark Wood 2/32).
England 97 all out in 10.3 overs (Phil Salt 55; Mohammed Shami 3/25, Varun Chakravarthy 2/25, Shivam Dube 2/11, Abhishek Sharma 2/3). (PTI)
