NEW DELHI: Abhishek Sharma’s extraordinary performance of 54-ball 135 set new benchmarks, achieving the second-fastest century and highest score by an Indian in T20Is, as India overwhelmed England by 150 runs in the fifth T20I, securing the series 4-1 on Sunday. After England chose to field, Abhishek’s aggressive batting propelled India to their highest T20I total against England at 247/9. England collapsed for a mere 97 in 10.3 overs.
This victory margin of 150 runs stands as India’s second-largest in T20Is, following their 168-run victory over New Zealand in 2023.
Despite Phil Salt‘s aggressive 23-ball 55, featuring seven fours and three sixes, England’s batting lineup faltered at the Wankhede Stadium.
Key England batsmen performed poorly, with Ben Duckett (0), Buttler (7), Harry Brook (2) and Liam Livingstone (9) collectively scoring just 18 runs on an excellent batting surface.
The lower order offered little resistance. Abhishek continued his dominance by claiming two wickets (2/3) in his sole over, removing Brydon Carse (3) and Jamie Overton (1).
Mohammed Shami secured 3/25, Shivam Dube took 2/11, Varun Chakravarthy claimed 2/25, and Ravi Bishnoi finished with 1/9.
Abhishek dominated the match with exceptional batting against both pace and spin, establishing multiple records. The 24-year-old achieved his century in 37 balls, making it the second-fastest for India, after initially reaching his fifty in 17 balls.
He surpassed the Indian record for most sixes in a T20I innings, hitting his 11th six off Brydon Carse (3/38) in the 17th over, ultimately finishing with 13 sixes.
His remarkable innings of 135, including seven fours, surpassed Shubman Gill’s previous Indian record of 126 not out against New Zealand at Ahmedabad in 2023.
Abhishek’s contribution helped India post their highest T20I score against England, exceeding their previous best of 224/2 at Ahmedabad in 2021.
This total ranks as India’s fourth-highest in T20Is.
The left-handed batsman displayed excellent off-side play, consistently finding gaps in the field.
He confidently faced Jofra Archer (1/55), playing aggressive shots while maintaining control throughout his innings.
A notable moment came when he reached his fifty with a six off Overton’s full toss, contributing to India’s highest powerplay score of 95/1.
Overton’s fifth over proved costly, conceding 25 runs including three sixes and a four to Abhishek.
While Sanju Samson (16) and Suryakumar Yadav (2) struggled, Tilak Varma (24) and Shivam Dube (30) provided solid support to Abhishek.
Varma supported Abhishek in a 115-run second-wicket partnership off 43 balls, while Dube contributed to a quick 37-run fourth-wicket stand off 18 balls.
Samson began promisingly, hitting two sixes off Archer in the first over, scoring 14 runs.
However, he fell to a short ball from Mark Wood, attempting a pull shot for a 6-ball 16, caught by Archer at backward square leg.
Team captain Suryakumar’s homecoming at Wankhede Stadium proved disappointing, as he was caught by Phil Salt while attempting his signature leg-side shot.
