Abhishek ton powers India to huge win over England
Abhishek Sharma’s magnificent record-breaking century has powered India to a 150-run win over England in the fifth and final T20 international at Wankhede Stadium, sealing a dominant 4-1 series triumph.
Chasing a mammoth target of 248 on Sunday, England opener Phil Salt (55 off 23) started well but had little support as wickets tumbled around him. Indian spinners took early wickets, leaving the visitors stumbling at 4-68.
England then collapsed spectacularly to 97 all out in 10.3 overs with Mohammed Shami claiming three wickets and Varun Chakaravarthy, Shivam Dube, and Abhishek taking two apiece.
Put in to bat, Abhishek’s onslaught propelled India to their highest powerplay score of 95, studded with 16 boundaries.
Abhishek blasted his way to a quickfire 135 off 54 balls — the highest score ever from an Indian batter in a T20 international – but his teammates underperformed.
Brydon Carse managed to stem the run flow, claiming the wickets of Tilak Varma and out-of-form captain Suryakumar Yadav in his successive overs, while Dube was sent back to the pavilion in the third over of his spell.
Tilak and Dube’s cameos provided vital support to Abhishek but Suryakumar’s poor run of form continued as he was caught out for two, ending his series with just 28 runs.
Apart from Carse, Mark Wood, who replaced Saqib Mahmood, bowled a fiery spell and chipped in with two wickets of Sanju Samson and Hardik Pandya.
India will next play three one-dayers against England from February 6.
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