Synopsis
In a thrilling match on February 2, Abhishek Sharma's explosive 135 led India to a remarkable 150-run victory over England in the 5th T20I, securing a 4-1 series triumph at Wankhede Stadium.Key Takeaways
- Abhishek Sharma scored 135 runs, setting records for the fastest fifty and century.
- India achieved a total of 247 runs, marking their second-largest victory margin.
- Mohammed Shami took 3 wickets, leading to England's collapse.
- England was bowled out for 97, with only Phil Salt scoring above 50.
- Varun Chakravarthy was awarded Player of the Tournament for his outstanding bowling.
Mumbai, Feb 2 (NationPress) Abhishek Sharma broke numerous records, achieving the second-fastest fifty and hundred while setting the highest score of 135 for India in T20I. India defeated England by 150 runs in the fifth and final match, securing a 4-1 series victory at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.
It was a thrilling Sunday for India as they amassed a staggering score of 247/9 in 20 overs, subsequently dismissing England for just 97 in 10.3 overs, marking their second-largest victory margin by runs after a 168-run win against New Zealand two years ago.
Displaying extraordinary skill, opener Abhishek Sharma raced to the second-fastest century by an Indian, achieving this in just 37 balls, as his explosive batting enabled India to set a formidable total of 247/9 in the final T20I against England.
Abhishek recorded the second-fastest fifty (17 balls) and a remarkable 135 off 54 balls, showcasing his prowess against every English bowler, hitting seven boundaries and 13 stunning sixes in one of the most impressive performances by an Indian batter in T20 bilateral matches.
In response, England succumbed to excellent bowling from Mohammed Shami, who replaced Arshdeep Singh and took 3-25. The Indian spin bowlers and the mounting scoreboard pressure contributed significantly to England's demise, as they were all out for 97, losing by 150 runs with 57 balls remaining.
Phil Salt struck a quickfire 55 off 23 balls, but the rest of the England lineup faltered, with key players like Ben Duckett (0), Jos Buttler (7), and Harry Brook (2) failing to make an impact, leading them to a dire 96/8 by the 10th over. In stark contrast, India was at a commanding 142/3 at the same point.
Mohammed Shami initiated England's collapse by dismissing Duckett, while Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi took out Buttler and Brook, leaving England at 59/3. Both Abhishek Sharma (2-3 in one over) and Shivam Dube (2-11) contributed to England's batting woes, resulting in an embarrassing collapse with only Salt and Jacob Bathell (10) reaching double figures.
It was a humiliating defeat for England, as they surrendered with 57 balls left. Shami sealed their fate by claiming the final two wickets on consecutive deliveries in the 11th over.
Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Match for his phenomenal innings, while Varun Chakravarthy was awarded Player of the Tournament for his consistent bowling performance throughout the series.
England captain Jos Buttler opted to bowl first, hoping to take advantage of the conditions at Wankhede, but his plans backfired as Abhishek came out swinging. Their hopes of dew affecting the Indian bowlers also failed to materialize as India wrapped up their innings swiftly.
Although India lost Sanju Samson (16) early after starting with a six off the first ball from Jofra Archer, Abhishek formed a crucial 115-run partnership for the second wicket with Tilak Varma.
Archer had a rough outing as Abhishek targeted him relentlessly, hitting him for multiple boundaries. Archer's two overs cost 34 runs.
The left-handed Abhishek attacked Mark Wood and Jamie Overton, including hitting Wood for two fours and a six in the fourth over, and smashing two sixes off Overton's first two deliveries, reaching his fifty in just 17 balls, the second fastest for India in T20Is, behind Yuvraj Singh's 12-ball effort in the 2007 T20 World Cup.
Abhishek and Tilak Varma brought up their century partnership in just 36 balls, with Abhishek contributing 80 runs. Varma (23 off 15) was dismissed soon after, but their partnership laid the foundation for a substantial total.
Abhishek continued to dominate, completing his century in 37 balls, hitting five fours and ten sixes, just missing the record for the fastest century in T20Is between full members, which stands at 35 balls, held by David Miller and Rohit Sharma.
Despite skipper Suryakumar Yadav (2) falling cheaply, Abhishek found a capable partner in Shivam Dube, who previously suffered a concussion. Dube made a quick 30 off 13 balls before being caught out. Hardik Pandya (9) and Rinku Singh (9) were also dismissed cheaply, as India reached 200 in the 16th over.
Abhishek, having slowed down slightly in his 90s, unleashed his power again in the last five overs, hitting numerous boundaries before being caught out at 135 runs. India managed to finish close to 250, thanks to contributions from Axar Patel (15).
Final scores:
India 247/9 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 135, Shivam Dube 30; Brydon Carse 3-38; Mark Wood 2-32) defeated England 97 all out in 10.3 overs (Phil Salt 55; Mohd Shami 3-25, Varun Chakravarthy 2-25, Shivam Dube 2-11, Abhishek Sharma 2-3) by 150 runs.
