In one of the most dominant displays in T20I history, India thrashed England by 150 runs in Mumbai, sealing the series 4-1. The star of the show was Abhishek Sharma, whose breathtaking 135 off just 54 balls rewrote records and left England’s bowling attack in tatters.
His knock powered India to a mammoth 247/9, a total that proved insurmountable as England crumbled for 97 in just 10.3 overs. This performance was not just about India’s batting firepower but also their ability to outclass a formidable English side in all departments.
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A Record-Breaking Knock as Abhishek’s Masterclass Stuns England
Abhishek’s innings was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment he took guard, he unleashed a relentless assault on England’s pace attack, dispatching deliveries to all parts of the ground. His 13 sixes set a new Indian record for most maximums in a T20I innings. More remarkably, he reached his half-century in just 17 balls—India’s second-fastest in the format—before racing to a century in a mere 37 balls, making it the second-fastest by a player from a Full Member nation, just behind David Miller’s 35-ball effort in 2017.
The left-hander was at his destructive best in the powerplay, guiding India to 95/1 in six overs—another national record. His stroke-making was breathtaking, launching even 150kph deliveries with effortless timing. His fearlessness against both pace and spin made it seem like he was playing a different game altogether. England’s bowlers had no answers as he continued his onslaught.
At the halfway mark, India had already amassed 143/2, with Abhishek sitting on 99 off 36 balls. A single into the covers brought up his century, and though he slowed slightly afterward, he reignited his charge with two towering sixes before falling to Adil Rashid. By then, the damage was done—India had posted a total that all but guaranteed victory.
England’s Helpless Response
Chasing a near-impossible target, England needed a blazing start. Phil Salt briefly ignited hope with a rapid 21-ball fifty, showcasing the form that made him a standout performer in the IPL. However, his was a lone battle as wickets tumbled around him.
India’s bowling attack, led by Mohammed Shami, tore through England’s lineup with clinical precision. The collapse started early, with Ben Duckett driving straight to Abhishek in the covers, handing Shami his first scalp. England’s middle order—Jos Buttler, Harry Brook, and Liam Livingstone—tried to keep up with the asking rate but perished in the process.
Then came another twist—Abhishek, already the hero with the bat, was handed the ball in the ninth over. He immediately made an impact, dismissing Brydon Carse and Jamie Overton in quick succession. England’s innings was in complete disarray, and their fate was sealed when Shivam Dube removed Salt for 54, effectively ending their slim hopes of a fightback.
From 82/4, England lost their last six wickets for just 15 runs, folding for 97 in just 10.3 overs. The gulf between the two teams was glaring, with India outclassing their opponents in every department.
Dube’s Comeback Performance
A major talking point leading up to the match was Shivam Dube’s return after a controversial concussion substitution in Pune. England had expressed their displeasure, with Jos Buttler sarcastically referring to his unselected players as “impact subs” at the toss. However, Dube responded in style, proving his worth with both bat and ball.
With the bat, he contributed a quickfire 30 off 13 balls, accelerating India’s total in the final overs. But it was his bowling that truly shifted the momentum. Coming into the attack in the eighth over, Dube dismissed Salt with his very first delivery, a 117kph delivery that the batter edged behind to Dhruv Jurel. He then clean-bowled Jacob Bethell with his next over, ending any hopes of an English resistance.
His performance was a reminder of his all-round abilities, and while his pace may not match the fiery spells of Harshit Rana, his impact on this game was undeniable.
Carse Stands Tall Amidst the Ruins
While England’s bowling unit struggled to contain India’s aggression, one bright spark was Brydon Carse. Despite being thrown into a hopeless situation with India racing at over 15 runs per over, Carse showed his growing maturity as an international bowler.
His spell of 3/38 stood out amidst the chaos. Unlike his teammates, who stuck to a predictable short-ball strategy, Carse mixed up his lengths effectively, keeping batters guessing. His crucial breakthroughs, including Abhishek’s wicket, prevented India from posting an even larger total.
This performance reinforced why Carse is seen as a long-term option for England across formats. His ability to deliver under pressure and execute smart bowling plans makes him a key asset moving forward.
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FAQs
What record did Abhishek Sharma break in the India vs England T20I series?
Abhishek Sharma smashed 135 off 54 balls, the highest individual score by an Indian in T20Is, while also hitting a record 13 sixes.
How fast was Abhishek Sharma’s century against England?
He reached his hundred in just 37 balls, making it the second-fastest T20I century in matches between Full Member nations.
How did India win the T20I series against England?
India clinched the series 4-1 with a dominant 150-run victory in the final match, thanks to Abhishek’s blitz and a stellar bowling performance.
What was England’s response to India’s massive total?
England crumbled to 97 all out in 10.3 overs, with only Phil Salt’s quickfire 54 offering resistance.
How did Shivam Dube impact the match after his controversial concussion substitution?
Dube contributed 30 runs off 13 balls and took key wickets, including Phil Salt, proving his value with both bat and ball.
