Mumbai, Feb 2 (PTI): A rampaging Abhishek Sharma tore through England’s bowling attack, smashing a breathtaking 135 off just 54 balls to power India to a mammoth 247/9 in the fifth and final T20I at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.
Opening the innings, Abhishek bludgeoned his way to a 37-ball century—just two balls short of Rohit Sharma’s 35-ball record set against Sri Lanka in 2017. His explosive knock, studded with seven boundaries and 13 towering sixes, left England in complete disarray.
The southpaw’s dominance was evident early as he raced to a 17-ball half-century, the second-fastest for India in T20Is, bringing up the milestone with a monstrous six off Jamie Overton in the fifth over. He also stitched together a crucial 115-run stand for the second wicket with Tilak Varma (24), setting the tone for India’s massive total.
England skipper Jos Buttler’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss backfired spectacularly, as Abhishek launched an all-out assault, forcing the visitors into a desperate leather hunt.
India made a solitary change, drafting in pace spearhead Mohammed Shami in place of left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh. Meanwhile, England brought in Mark Wood for Saqib Mahmood.
Brief Scores:
India: 247/9 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 135, Tilak Varma 24, Shivam Dube 30; Brydon Carse 3/38, Mark Wood 2/32).With Abhishek’s sensational knock setting the stage, all eyes now turn to England’s response in this high-octane series finale. Can the visitors chase down this mammoth target, or will India clinch the series in style?