India triumphed in spectacular fashion, clinching the fifth and final T20 match against England by a massive 150-run margin, sealing a dominant 4-1 series victory. The highlight of the match was a blistering 54-ball 135 from Abhishek Sharma, whose audacious display of power-hitting stunned both the opposition and fans alike. Sharma’s remarkable knock, featuring 13 sixes, set a new record for the highest score by an Indian batter in T20 internationals.
India’s explosive batting effort was underpinned by Sharma’s brilliance, while Shivam Dube (30 off 13 balls) was the second-highest scorer in a total of 247 for 9. England’s chase was always going to be an uphill battle, with Sharma’s blistering start leaving the visitors with little chance. England’s top-order crumbled, and despite Phil Salt’s fighting 55 off 23 balls, no other batter could provide significant resistance. The team was bowled out for just 97, marking their heaviest T20 defeat in terms of runs.
The carnage began early in India’s innings after Sanju Samson fell cheaply, but Sharma took charge, especially targeting Jofra Archer and Mark Wood’s pace. His cut shots found the boundary, and when the quick bowlers strayed full, Sharma punished them by driving over the ropes with ease. His half-century came off just 17 balls, and along with Tilak Varma (24 off 15 balls), he put together a mammoth second-wicket stand of 115 runs.
Sharma’s brilliance did not let up, as he cleared the boundary with ease, including a one-handed six over extra cover against Liam Livingstone’s spin. He reached his century in just 37 balls, marking it as the second-fastest century for India in T20 internationals. Despite a few regular breakthroughs and a tight spell from Brydon Carse, who picked up three wickets, Sharma remained the star, adding a couple more sixes before falling for 135 in the 18th over.
With a target of 248 to chase, England’s openers had no choice but to go all-out from the start. Salt did his best to take on the challenge, smashing 55, but wickets fell rapidly around him. England’s top-order struggled against India’s spinners, with Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, and Jos Buttler all falling cheaply. Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakravarthy caused havoc with the ball, and Salt’s brave effort was ultimately cut short as he was dismissed for 55 by Dube.
Sharma’s left-arm spin was brought into play in the middle overs, and he was on hand to dismiss both Brydon Carse and Jamie Overton, conceding just three runs in his solitary over. England’s defeat was swift and comprehensive, and India could not have asked for a better way to close the series. The win capped off a memorable performance by India and a remarkable individual effort from Sharma, who was undoubtedly the star of the match.
England’s captain, Jos Buttler, acknowledged the brilliance of Sharma’s innings, praising his clean ball striking, which he noted was reminiscent of Sharma’s recent IPL performances alongside Travis Head for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Despite the defeat, Buttler commended his team for their efforts but conceded that on the day, they were completely outplayed.
Sharma’s performance not only handed India an impressive win but also showcased the depth of their batting and the team’s ability to dominate the opposition in all departments. As the series ended 4-1 in favor of India, the result sent a clear message of their T20 supremacy.
