Abhishek Sharma’s Explosive Century Powers India to a 150-Run Win Over England

Abhishek Sharma delivered a breathtaking performance at the Wankhede Stadium, smashing a record-breaking century as India crushed England by a colossal 150-run margin in the final T20I. Having already secured the series, India put on a batting masterclass, with Abhishek leading the charge. His blistering 135 off 54 balls powered India to a formidable total of 247/9. England, in response, crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for a mere 97, despite Phil Salt’s aggressive half-century.

Abhishek’s Blitzkrieg Ignites India’s Innings

After being put in to bat, Sanju Samson got India off to a fiery start by smashing a six off the very first delivery, following it up with another maximum in the same over. However, his innings was cut short when Mark Wood dismissed him in the next over. That’s when Abhishek Sharma took center stage.

The left-hander unleashed a relentless assault, hammering Jofra Archer and Mark Wood for massive sixes. Jamie Overton also bore the brunt of Abhishek’s explosive batting as he launched back-to-back sixes to reach his fifty in just 17 balls—the second-fastest by an Indian in T20Is. Tilak Varma complemented Abhishek’s carnage with quick boundaries, helping India record their highest-ever powerplay total of 95 runs.

England’s Struggle to Contain India

Any hopes of slowing down the scoring rate after the powerplay were shattered as Abhishek continued his onslaught, smashing boundaries off Adil Rashid and Liam Livingstone. England found a brief respite by dismissing Tilak Varma and the out-of-form Suryakumar Yadav. However, India had already amassed 143 runs at the halfway mark, leaving England desperate for Abhishek’s wicket.

After reaching his maiden T20I century in just 37 balls, Abhishek slowed down momentarily, allowing Shivam Dube to take over the destruction. England’s attempts to counter Dube with pace proved futile as he raced to 24 off just 9 balls. Though England managed to pull back with quick wickets of Dube, Hardik Pandya, and Rinku Singh, the damage had already been done. Abhishek added to his record tally of sixes (13 in total), breaking the Indian record for most sixes in a T20I innings before eventually falling. The last two overs yielded only 10 runs, but India’s mammoth total was more than sufficient.

England’s Collapse Under Spin Pressure

Chasing 248, England showed early intent, with Phil Salt dispatching Mohammed Shami for consecutive boundaries and a six. However, Shami responded by dismissing Ben Duckett. England reached 48/1 within four overs, but their real test was against India’s spin attack.

As expected, spin completely derailed England’s chase. Varun Chakaravarthy struck with his first delivery to remove England captain Jos Buttler. Harry Brook and Livingstone soon followed, as Ravi Bishnoi and Chakaravarthy wreaked havoc, reducing England to 82/4 in just over six overs.

Salt, fighting a lone battle, raced to a 21-ball fifty, but his efforts weren’t enough. Jacob Bethell attempted to counterattack but fell soon after. In a dramatic collapse, England tumbled from 82/4 to 90/8 in just over two overs. Surprisingly, part-time bowlers Shivam Dube and Abhishek Sharma also chipped in with two wickets each, further crushing England’s hopes. Shami returned to clean up the tail, wrapping up England’s innings at 97 in just 10.3 overs.

Match Summary:

India 247/9 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 135; Brydon Carse 3/38) defeated England 97 in 10.3 overs (Phil Salt 55; Mohammed Shami 3/25, Abhishek Sharma 2/3) by 150 runs.