Abhishek breathtaking 135 powers India to 4-1 T20I series win over England

 

India did not take the dead rubber match lightly and clinched the final T20I at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Abhishek Sharma stole the show with a magnificent century as India posted a massive total of 247 runs while batting first, effectively sealing the match early. The bowlers then finished the job, bowling England out for just 97 runs. India secured a commanding 150-run victory, with Abhishek scoring 135 runs alone, surpassing England’s total by 38 runs. With this win, Suryakumar Yadav’s side sealed the series 4-1.

Abhishek Seizes the Opportunity

Abhishek demonstrated how to capitalize on an opportunity. He had started the series well with a 77-run knock at Eden Gardens but failed to score in the next three matches. At Wankhede, he came out attacking from the very first ball, taking on the pacers with aggressive stroke play. He hit powerful shots all around the ground, making it difficult for England’s skipper Jos Buttler to set a field. Abhishek reached his fifty in just 17 balls and continued his assault without slowing down, maintaining his aggressive approach even after the fielding restrictions were lifted.

With the short boundaries at Wankhede working in his favor, the left-handed opener smashed more sixes than fours, providing great entertainment even in a dead rubber match. At one point, it seemed like he might break Rohit Sharma’s 35-ball century record, but a few dot balls after reaching 30 delayed his milestone by two deliveries. Eventually, he reached his century in 37 balls and went on to score 135 off 54 deliveries, hitting seven fours and 13 sixes before getting out. It was breathtaking batting at its most supreme. 

Sanju and Suryakumar Fail Again

Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav failed to deliver once more. Sanju started well, scoring 16 runs in the first over, but once again fell to a short ball while attempting a big shot. His repeated dismissals in a similar fashion throughout the series were concerning. Even though he practiced countering such deliveries before the match, it did not help him in the middle.

Captain Suryakumar also had an off day, scoring just two runs before getting out while attempting his favorite shot.

India's Middle and Lower Order Struggles

Despite Abhishek’s fireworks, India's middle and lower order remained a concern for coach Gautam Gambhir. Apart from Abhishek, only Tilak Varma (24) and Shivam Dube (30) made notable contributions. Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, and Axar Patel failed to score runs. At one stage, India seemed set for a 270-plus total but had to settle for 247.

Shami’s Impactful Spell

Mohammed Shami, returning to the side in the third T20I, had not picked up a wicket until this game. Under scrutiny, he conceded 17 runs in his first over but bounced back brilliantly. In his second over, he dismissed Ben Duckett, who had been in good form. Later, in his second spell, he removed Adil Rashid and Mark Wood