In a dominant display of cricketing prowess, India thrashed England by a colossal 150-run margin in the final T20I at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, sealing the five-match series 4-1.
The Indian team showcased an all-round performance, dismantling England’s batting lineup and putting forth a remarkable exhibition of power-hitting earlier in the match.
England’s Dramatic Collapse
Chasing an enormous target of 248, England started aggressively, with Phil Salt leading the charge. The explosive batter found the boundary with ease, giving England early momentum. However, India struck back swiftly, picking up key wickets during the Powerplay. England still looked competitive at 68/3 at the end of six overs, but what followed was a dramatic collapse. The visitors lost seven wickets for just 29 runs, ultimately folding for a mere 97 runs.
Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi spun a web around England’s middle order, making run-scoring an uphill task. Salt, despite his aggressive intent, found himself running out of partners. He managed to notch the fastest fifty by an English batter against India in T20Is, reaching the milestone in just 21 balls. However, his dismissal, courtesy of Shivam Dube on the latter’s very first delivery, signaled the beginning of the end for England. With wickets tumbling in quick succession, India’s dominance was on full display.
A Batting Masterclass by India
Earlier in the match, England skipper Jos Buttler won the toss and opted to field first. The decision backfired spectacularly, as India’s top order unleashed an attacking masterclass. Abhishek Sharma stole the limelight with a scintillating century, smashing his way to three figures in just 37 balls. His fearless strokeplay dismantled England’s bowling attack, as he dispatched deliveries to all parts of the ground.
Shivam Dube and Tilak Varma joined the party, clearing the ropes with ease, propelling India to a staggering 247 runs. While England’s bowlers struggled, Brydon Carse was the lone bright spot, picking up three wickets, while Mark Wood claimed two.
Post-Match Reactions
After the match, Shivam Dube expressed his joy at contributing as an all-rounder, highlighting his excitement to bowl after missing out in the previous game. England captain Jos Buttler admitted disappointment but acknowledged India’s superiority. He praised Abhishek Sharma’s knock, calling it one of the finest he had witnessed.
Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Match for his century and two crucial wickets. The young batter credited his mentor Yuvraj Singh for his guidance and revealed that he had prepared rigorously to counter England’s high-speed attack. Varun Chakravarthy, who claimed 14 wickets in the series, was awarded Player of the Series, dedicating his success to his family and the team’s support staff.
With this resounding victory, India not only dominated the series but also sent a strong statement ahead of the upcoming international fixtures.