Mumbai, 2nd Feb: Abhishek Sharma produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting, smashing a 54-ball 135, to propel India to a commanding 150-run victory over England in the 5th T20I, sealing the series 4-1 on Sunday. His innings set new records, including the second-fastest century by an Indian in T20Is and the highest individual T20I score for India.

Batting first at the Wankhede Stadium, India posted a massive 247/9, their highest T20I total against England. In response, England crumbled for just 97 runs in 10.3 overs, suffering a humiliating defeat. This 150-run margin is India’s second-biggest win in T20Is, behind their 168-run victory over New Zealand in 2023.

England’s Batting Collapse After Phil Salt’s Blazing Knock

Despite an explosive 23-ball 55 from Phil Salt, England’s batting lineup failed miserably. Ben Duckett (0), Jos Buttler (7), Harry Brook (2), and Liam Livingstone (9) collectively managed just 18 runs, leaving their team in tatters. The lower order offered no resistance, as India’s bowlers ran riot.

Mohammed Shami (3/25) led the attack, while Shivam Dube (2/11), Varun Chakravarthy (2/25), and Ravi Bishnoi (1/9) chipped in. Abhishek Sharma even shone with the ball, taking 2 wickets for just 3 runs in his only over.

Abhishek Sharma’s Record-Breaking Knock

The 24-year-old left-hander was unstoppable, taking apart both pace and spin with ease. He reached his century in just 37 balls, the second-fastest by an Indian, after bringing up his fifty in just 17 balls.

He also set a new Indian record for most sixes in a T20I innings, smashing 13 sixes, surpassing the previous mark with his 11th six off Brydon Carse. His stunning 135-run knock, laced with seven fours and 13 sixes, broke Shubman Gill’s record of 126 against New Zealand in 2023*.

Abhishek played fearlessly, particularly excelling on the off-side. He took on England’s pace spearhead Jofra Archer (1/55) with confidence, dictating the game from the outset.

A key moment came when he reached his fifty with a six off Jamie Overton, helping India register their highest-ever powerplay score of 95/1. Overton’s fifth over was brutal, conceding 25 runs, including three sixes and a four.

Support From Tilak Varma & Shivam Dube

While Sanju Samson (16) and Suryakumar Yadav (2) fell cheaply, Tilak Varma (24) and Shivam Dube (30) provided valuable support. Varma shared a 115-run stand off 43 balls with Abhishek for the second wicket, while Dube added 37 quick runs off 18 balls in a fourth-wicket partnership.

Samson started aggressively, hitting two sixes off Archer in the opening over but was dismissed attempting a pull shot off Mark Wood. Meanwhile, Suryakumar’s homecoming at Wankhede was disappointing, falling to Phil Salt while attempting his signature flick.

With this emphatic win, India wrapped up the series in style, showcasing their dominance over England in the shortest format.