Mumbai, Feb 2 (PTI): India wrapped up the five-match T20I series in emphatic fashion, crushing England by 150 runs in the final match at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. The star of the night was opener Abhishek Sharma, who played a sensational knock, scoring a blistering century that powered India to a formidable total of 247/9.
Opting to bat first, the hosts got off to a fiery start with Abhishek unleashing a carnage on the England bowlers. The left-hander smashed 135 off just 54 balls, laced with seven boundaries and a staggering 13 sixes. His century, coming off just 37 balls, was the second-fastest by an Indian in T20Is—falling just two balls short of Rohit Sharma’s 35-ball record against Sri Lanka in 2017.
Abhishek also registered a rapid 17-ball half-century, the second-fastest by an Indian, reaching the milestone with a towering six off Jamie Overton in the fifth over. His onslaught was complemented by a 115-run second-wicket stand with Tilak Varma (24), while Shivam Dube added a valuable 30. Despite losing wickets in the death overs, India’s massive total of 247/9 put them firmly in control.
England, in response, crumbled under pressure as the Indian bowling attack proved too lethal. Mohammed Shami (3/25), Varun Chakravarthy (2/25), Shivam Dube (2/11), and even Abhishek Sharma (2/3) dismantled the visitors' batting lineup, bundling them out for a mere 97 runs in just 10.3 overs.
While Phil Salt fought a lone battle with a quickfire 55, the rest of the English batting order fell apart, unable to counter India’s disciplined bowling.
With this commanding win, India sealed the series 4-1, showcasing their dominance in both batting and bowling. Abhishek Sharma’s record-breaking century and the collective bowling effort ensured that the series ended on a high note for the hosts.
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).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).
