India wrapped up their T20I season in style with a dominant win over England at the Wankhede Stadium, thanks to a record-breaking knock by Abhishek Sharma. The young opener’s breathtaking innings left England in disarray, securing a perfect finish for the home team.
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Abhishek Sharma’s Explosive Start
With the series already in the bag, India entered the final match brimming with confidence. A charged-up Wankhede crowd cheered on as Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson walked out to open the innings. Samson set the tone with a six off the very first ball, but his stay was short-lived as he was dismissed for the fifth consecutive time while attempting a shot to deep square-leg.
Abhishek, however, took his time before unleashing his full firepower. He opened his boundary count in the third over, and from that moment, England’s bowlers had no answers to his relentless assault. By the end of the PowerPlay, India had rocketed to 95/1—its highest six-over score in a T20I. Abhishek reached his fifty in just 17 balls, celebrating with a signature flying kiss to the ecstatic crowd.
England’s Bowling in Tatters
England’s bowling attack had no response to Abhishek’s masterclass. When they bowled in his hitting arc, he dispatched both pacers and Adil Rashid’s leg-spin over the ropes. Short deliveries were met with emphatic pulls, while pace variations were treated with disdain. One of the highlights of his innings was a stunning lofted cover drive off Brydon Carse, sending the ball soaring over the fence in the ninth over.
Despite losing partners at regular intervals, Abhishek remained unfazed. By the 10-over mark, he stood at 99*, on the verge of becoming India’s second-fastest centurion. With a simple single, he reached the milestone, acknowledging a standing ovation from the Mumbai crowd.
India Seals the Victory
Shivam Dube provided a fiery cameo, ensuring the chase was completed in a mere 11 overs. England’s batting faltered under pressure, with only Phil Salt managing a fighting fifty. Jacob Bethell was the only other player to reach double digits, highlighting the dominance of India’s bowlers.
Wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel stepped in for an injured Sanju Samson, making a strong impact behind the stumps. He claimed three catches, including a sharp take down the leg side off Mark Wood’s inside edge, helping Mohammed Shami bag his third wicket of the night.
Conclusion
Abhishek Sharma’s breathtaking innings will be remembered as one of the finest displays of power-hitting in Indian T20I history. His aggressive approach not only shattered records but also reaffirmed India’s depth in batting talent. With a convincing series win, India heads into the next phase of international cricket with confidence and momentum.
