India’s Abhishek Sharma played a scintillating knock of 135 runs, leading India to a dominant 150-run victory over England in the fifth T20 International at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, clinching the series 4-1.
Opening the innings, Abhishek’s incredible 54-ball innings was peppered with 13 sixes, taking India to a daunting total of 247-9 after being asked to bat first. This total was more than enough to set up a crushing win as England, despite a valiant 23-ball 55 from Phil Salt, were bowled out for just 97.
India’s bowlers dominated, with Abhishek also contributing with the ball, taking two wickets in his only over with left-arm spin. Mohammed Shami finished with three wickets, wrapping up the England innings in just 10.3 overs.
“It’s a special one, coming for the country, always a great feeling,” said the 24-year-old Abhishek, reflecting on his performance. “When I see it’s my day, I always try to go from the first ball. And the way the coach and the captain have treated me from the first day. They’ve always wanted this intent, they’ve always backed me.”
England never really looked in the chase, slipping to 68-4. Jos Buttler (7), Harry Brook (2), and Liam Livingstone (9) all failed to make an impact, while Salt’s dismissal by Shivam Dube further halted their progress.
Shivam Dube, who had taken over as a concussion substitute in the previous match, struck in his first over, removing Salt, while wrist spinner Varun Chakravarthy and Dube took two wickets each. Chakravarthy, who finished with 14 wickets in the series, was named Player of the Series for his exceptional performance.
Abhishek’s explosive batting was the highlight of the Indian innings. He shared a 115-run partnership with Tilak Varma, with both batsmen taking the game to England’s bowlers. Abhishek reached his fifty in just 17 balls and followed up with his second T20 century for India in 37 deliveries. Dube contributed with a valuable 30 runs, but the remaining wickets fell quickly in the final overs as India finished at 247-9.
“It’s one of the best innings I’ve seen in cricket,” said England’s captain Jos Buttler, praising Abhishek’s breathtaking knock.
England’s bowling effort, led by Brydon Carse and Mark Wood, was impressive but ultimately futile as India’s total proved too large. Carse took three wickets, including that of Suryakumar Yadav for just 2, continuing his outstanding form.
India had already secured the series with a win in the fourth T20 and now head into the three-match ODI series starting February 6 in Nagpur. The series serves as preparation for the 50-over Champions Trophy beginning February 19 in Pakistan and Dubai.
India’s comprehensive victory marks a resounding end to the T20 series, with Abhishek’s brilliance at the forefront of their success.
