India wrapped up the T20I series against England in spectacular fashion with a commanding 150-run win at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Abhishek Sharma was the star of the night, hammering 135 runs off just 69 balls to propel India to a towering 247/9. England’s chase never got going, crumbling under relentless pressure from India’s bowlers.
Abhishek Sharma’s Fireworks Set the Tone
Abhishek Sharma walked in with intent and never looked back. The left-hander unleashed a brutal assault on England’s bowlers, peppering the field with boundaries. His innings was a perfect mix of aggression and precision, showcasing why he’s being touted as a future star.
- His knock of 135 included 10 sixes and 13 fours, making it one of the most destructive T20I innings by an Indian batter.
- Despite wickets tumbling at the other end, he held his ground and anchored the innings.
- His blistering century came off just 49 balls, the second-fastest by an Indian in T20Is.
India, however, couldn’t maintain the same tempo in the final overs. Once Sharma departed, the lower order struggled to keep up, but the damage had already been done.
England’s Nightmare Chase: Early Collapse and No Recovery
Chasing 248 was always going to be an uphill task, but England’s innings unraveled faster than expected. Their intent was clear from the start, but India’s bowlers had other plans.
- Phil Salt provided early hope with a rapid 55 off 23 balls, but once he fell, England’s chase fell apart.
- Jos Buttler (7), Ben Duckett (0), and Harry Brook (2) all departed cheaply, leaving the middle order with too much to do.
- Shivam Dube, Varun Chakravarthy, and Abhishek Sharma ripped through England’s lineup, ensuring there was no late surge.
With the asking rate climbing beyond reach, England lost wickets in a heap, eventually folding for 97 in 12.3 overs.
Shivam Dube’s Impact: With the Bat and Ball
Shivam Dube played a crucial supporting role, smashing 53 off 34 balls to complement Sharma’s knock. However, his match took a dramatic turn when he was struck on the helmet while fielding, forcing him to leave due to concussion protocols. His absence was a setback, but replacement Rana stepped up with the ball.
- Rana dismissed Livingstone, Bethell, and Overton, making a strong impression in his short spell.
- Dube, before his injury, also picked up two wickets, showing his value as an all-rounder.
His dismissal of Phil Salt was particularly significant, breaking the one partnership that had any real momentum for England.
Bowling Brilliance: India’s Attack Leaves England Helpless
Every Indian bowler contributed, but Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi stood out. Chakravarthy’s spell was lethal, taking out key players at crucial moments.
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shivam Dube | 2 | 12 | 2 |
| Varun Chakravarthy | 3 | 18 | 3 |
| Ravi Bishnoi | 2 | 9 | 2 |
| Abhishek Sharma | 2.3 | 14 | 3 |
With such a dominant bowling effort, England had no room to breathe. Every attempt at counterattack was swiftly shut down.
What’s Next for India? Focus Shifts to ODIs and Champions Trophy
With the T20I series wrapped up, India’s attention now turns to the upcoming ODI series and the Champions Trophy. A few selection changes are likely, with Hardik Pandya set to be rested and Mohammed Shami expected to get more game time.
This dominant win only strengthens India’s confidence ahead of major tournaments. England, on the other hand, will have to rethink their approach after being completely outplayed in the T20I series.
