Indian youngster Abhishek Sharma described his 135-run knock against England in the fifth T20I as “special”, as it came while representing the country.
Abhishek’s all-round performance helped India clinch a 4-1 series victory over England at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Sunday. His stellar innings etched his name into the record books, setting a new record for the highest individual score by an Indian in T20Is, surpassing Shubman Gill’s 126 against New Zealand*.
Abhishek on His Knock:
“It’s a special one, coming for the country, always a great feeling. When I see it’s my day, I always try to go from the first ball. And the way the coach and the captain have treated me from the first day. They’ve always wanted this intent, they’ve always backed me. When the opponents are bowling 140, 150-plus, you have to be ready a little earlier. Just react to the ball and play my shots. When you’re hitting a world-class bowler over the covers [off Archer], it’s always great, but I liked the shots against Adil Rashid as well. Probably he [mentor Yuvraj Singh] should be happy today. He’s always wanted me to bat into the 15th, 20th over, and I’ve tried to implement that,” Abhishek Sharma told ESPNcricinfo.
Match Recap:
🏏 Toss: England won the toss and opted to bowl first.
🔥 India’s Batting:
- Abhishek Sharma – 135 (54) ⭐ (7 fours, 13 sixes)
- Total: 247/9 in 20 overs
- Best Bowler for England: Brydon Carse (3 wickets), Mark Wood (2 wickets)
🎯 England’s Chase:
- Philip Salt – 55 (23)
- Total: England bowled out for 97 runs in 10.3 overs
- India’s Bowling Attack: Abhishek Sharma, Shivam Dube, and Varun Chakravarthy picked up three wickets each
🏆 Player of the Match: Abhishek Sharma
🏆 Player of the Series: Varun Chakravarthy
With this historic win, India further cemented its dominance in home conditions.