Fastest T20 Century Just Missed By Sharma On the 5th India Vs England T20 Match

In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, India clinched the fifth and final T20 International against England with a record 150-run victory at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on February 2, 2025. This resounding win secured a 4-1 series triumph for the hosts, underscoring their dominance in the shortest format of the game.

Abhishek Sharma Almost Got The Fastest T20 Century

The highlight of the match was undoubtedly Abhishek Sharma’s scintillating innings. Opening the batting, Sharma unleashed a barrage of strokes, amassing 135 runs off just 54 deliveries. His innings was studded with 13 towering sixes and seven boundaries, propelling India to an imposing total of 247 for nine. This remarkable feat marked the second- fastest T20 century by an Indian batsman, showcasing Sharma’s exceptional talent and aggressive approach.

Sharma’s onslaught left the English bowlers in disarray. He displayed a masterful command over the game, targeting both spinners and pacers with equal ferocity. His ability to find gaps and clear the boundary at will kept the scoreboard ticking at a rapid pace, setting a formidable challenge for the visitors.

Abhishek Sharma Statistics In International Cricket Career

Highest Individual T20 Score For India

 In a landmark moment for Indian cricket, Abhishek Sharma etched his name in the record books by scoring the highest individual T20 International (T20I) score for India. His blistering 135-run knock off just 54 balls against England on February 2, 2025, at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium surpassed all previous records and showcased the next generation of Indian batting talent.

From the very first over, Abhishek Sharma signaled his intent with aggressive shot-making. His ability to pierce the field with precision and clear the boundaries effortlessly left the English bowlers struggling for answers. He reached his half-century in just 20 balls and continued to accelerate, bringing up his century in a mere 42 balls.

Sharma’s dominance was evident when he struck three consecutive sixes off England’s lead pacer, Jofra Archer, in the 12th over. His ability to handle both pace and spin with equal confidence made his innings a true masterclass in modern T20 batting.

Top Five Highest Individual Scores for India in T20 Cricket

Contributions from the Middle Order

While Sharma was the star of the show with the second fastest T20 century, the middle-order batsmen provided valuable contributions to bolster India’s total. Shivam Dube played a brisk cameo, scoring 30 runs off 13 balls, further accelerating the innings during the death overs. Despite a few quick wickets in the middle, the Indian lineup maintained an aggressive approach, adhering to their high-risk, high-reward strategy endorsed by head coach Gautam Gambhir.

England’s Struggle in Response

Chasing a daunting target of 248, England’s innings got off to a promising start, courtesy of opener Phil Salt. Salt exhibited aggressive intent, smashing 55 runs off 23 balls. His innings included a flurry of boundaries, providing England with a glimmer of hope. However, his dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse.

The rest of the English batting lineup failed to offer any significant resistance. The middle and lower-order batsmen succumbed to the relentless pressure applied by the Indian bowlers, resulting in England being bundled out for a paltry 97 runs in just 10.3 overs. This collapse marked England’s heaviest defeat in T20I history, highlighting the effectiveness of India’s bowling attack.

Indian Bowlers’ Dominance In The Final T20 Of India Vs England

India’s bowling unit delivered a clinical performance to complement their batsmen’s efforts. Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami led the attack, claiming three wickets and dismantling England’s top order. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy continued his impressive run in the series, picking up two crucial wickets and maintaining a tight economy rate. Shivam Dube and Abhishek Sharma also chipped in with two wickets each, showcasing the team’s all-round capabilities.

The bowlers executed their plans meticulously, varying their pace and lengths to exploit the conditions effectively. The spinners, in particular, capitalized on the pressure created by the pacers, inducing false shots and hastening England’s downfall.

Controversy Over Concussion Substitute In The Final T20

The match was not without its share of controversy. England’s captain, Jos Buttler, expressed dissatisfaction over India’s use of a concussion substitute. Shivam Dube, who had suffered a concussion earlier in the series, was replaced by fast bowler Harshit Rana. Buttler argued that the substitution was not like-for-like, as Dube is primarily a batsman, while Rana is a 90mph seamer. He suggested that this move might have provided India with an undue advantage.

The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) rules permit concussion replacements, provided they do not offer the team an unfair benefit. Buttler indicated his intention to seek clarification from the match referee regarding the decision, emphasizing the need for consistency in the application of such regulations.

Strategic Insights and Future Outlook

India’s emphatic series win can be attributed to their aggressive and fearless brand of cricket. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has advocated for a high-risk approach in T20Is, encouraging players to prioritize selflessness and boldness. This philosophy was evident throughout the series, with batsmen like Abhishek Sharma embodying the team’s attacking mindset.

Looking ahead, India is set to face England in a three-match One Day International (ODI) series, commencing on February 6. The team will aim to carry forward the momentum from their T20I success into the 50-over format. Additionally, the upcoming Champions Trophy, starting on February 20 in Dubai, presents another opportunity for India to showcase their prowess on the international stage.

For England, the series defeat serves as a wake-up call. The team will need to reassess their strategies and address the vulnerabilities exposed during the T20Is. Captain Jos Buttler acknowledged the brilliance of Abhishek Sharma’s performance and recognized the need for his side to improve in all departments ahead of the forthcoming challenges.

What’s Next for Abhishek Sharma?

This record-breaking knock of 135 runs along with the feat of getting of the fasting T20 century shall be a defining moment in Abhishek Sharma’s career. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, his performance has strengthened his position as India’s first-choice opener. His ability to take on top-quality bowling attacks and play with such an aggressive mindset makes him a key asset for India’s future T20 campaigns.

India Vs England ODI Schedule

The T20I series concluded with India securing a 4-1 victory. The ODI series is scheduled as follows:

Following this series, India is set to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025, in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.

Later in the year, India will tour England for a five-match Test series from June 20 to August 4, 2025.