The recently concluded T20 series between India and England showcased the prowess of the Indian cricket team in a spectacular finale. After already securing the series, Team India convincingly defeated England by a staggering 150 runs in the final match held in Mumbai. Young opener Abhishek Sharma emerged as the star of the match, making a destructive 135-run innings that propelled India to a massive score of 247. In response, the entire English team fell short, being dismissed for just 97 runs, with Abhishek contributing with two wickets.
Abhishek’s Explosive Performance
The final match on February 2 at Wankhede Stadium turned into a fireworks display of batting prowess, with Indian batsmen dismantling the English bowling attack. Despite losing the toss and being set to bat first, Team India got off to a fast start with Sanju Samson scoring 16 runs in the opening over, though he was quickly dismissed. This did not faze the ongoing assault by Abhishek Sharma.
Abhishek Targets English Bowlers
Abhishek made a concerted effort to target bowlers Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton, reaching his half-century in a mere 17 balls, marking it as the second-fastest fifty for India in this format. By the end of the powerplay, Team India had amassed an impressive 95 runs. His onslaught continued as he achieved his second T20 century in just 37 balls, making it the second-fastest ton for India after Rohit Sharma. Before being dismissed in the 18th over, Abhishek smashed 135 runs off 54 balls, including a remarkable 13 sixes and 7 fours. Shivam Dube and Tilak Varma also contributed quick runs, but it was Abhishek who set the stage ablaze. For England, Brydon Carse was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets.
England’s Collapse
England needed a vigorous start but fell into disarray early on. Phil Salt showed promise in the first over by striking three boundaries off Mohammed Shami, clearly signaling England’s intentions. However, the scales tipped in India’s favor when Shami knocked out Ben Duckett in the third over and captain Jos Buttler was dismissed by Varun Chakravarthy within the fifth over. Although Salt managed to score a solitary half-century off just 21 balls, support was lacking from the other end, leading to a catastrophic batting collapse.
Shivam Dube then struck a critical blow by dismissing Salt for 55 in the eighth over, further diminishing England’s hopes. Abhishek’s prowess came to the forefront as he claimed two wickets in a single over, effectively sealing England’s fate. Shami put the final nail in the coffin, grabbing two wickets in succession during the 11th over. Shami concluded the match with the highest wicket tally for Team India, taking 3 wickets, while Dube, Abhishek, and Varun each took 2. Consequently, India secured the T20 series 4-1 triumphantly.