In a riveting Fifth T20 match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India dismantled England with a staggering 150-run victory, establishing a new low for the English side in T20 internationals. With a remarkable performance, Abhishek Sharma became the focal point of the match, scoring an astonishing 135 runs off just 54 balls, which included an incredible 13 sixes and 7 fours.

Match Overview

• India: 247-9 (20 overs)
• Best Performer: Abhishek Sharma - 135 (54)
• England: 97 all out (10.3 overs)
• Best Bowler: Mohammed Shami - 3/25
• Result: India won by 150 runs

Abhishek Sharma's Spectacular Century

Abhishek's innings was a testament to explosive T20 cricket. He reached his fifty in just 17 balls and completed his century in a mere 37 balls, setting the record for the fastest century by an Indian in T20 internationals. His aggressive partnership with fellow batsmen propelled India to a first six-over score of 95-1 - a clear indication of their dominance against England's bowling attack.

England's Struggles

Chasing a daunting target, England's hopes disintegrated rapidly, as they lost wickets in a flurry, ultimately collapsing to 97 all out within 10.3 overs. Phil Salt emerged as a brief shining light, scoring 55 off 23 balls, but he lacked support from the rest of the batting lineup. Mohammed Shami tore through England's defenses, taking 3 wickets for just 25 runs.

Tactical Failures and Reflections

The match showcased England's ongoing struggles against spin bowling, as they have lost a staggering 29 wickets in the series to slow bowlers. England opted for a seam-heavy attack, a strategy that backfired as the Indian batsmen capitalized on the pace. Jos Buttler, England's captain, acknowledged the need for improvement while also praising some individual performances, particularly from Brydon Carse and Mark Wood.

Reaction from the Players

After the match, Abhishek Sharma expressed gratitude towards his coach and captain for their unwavering support, stating, "When I see it is my day, I always try to go from the first ball. I wanted to react to the ball and play my shots." Meanwhile, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav emphasized their commitment to an aggressive brand of cricket saying, "This is the brand of cricket we want to play. We are sticking to it. It is high risk, high reward."

Conclusion

This match not only signifies India's supremacy in T20 cricket but also highlights the transitions and challenges faced by the English team under new coaching leadership. As the dust settles on this historic encounter, both teams will undoubtedly reflect on their performances and prepare for future battles as they strive for greatness in international cricket.