India's cricket team delivered a stunning performance against England, clinching the fifth T20 International match by 150 runs and wrapping up the series with an impressive scoreline of 4-1. The match, played on February 2, 2025, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, showcased India's dominance as they posted a formidable total of 247 runs for nine wickets.
Leading the charge was Abhishek Sharma, who produced one of the most exhilarating innings seen in T20 cricket. Scoring 135 runs off just 54 balls, Sharma's innings included an astonishing 13 sixes, setting the record for the most sixes hit by any Indian player in T20 internationals. His aggressive batting not only helped him reach his century in just 37 balls, making it the second-fastest T20 century for India, but also significantly contributed to India's immense total. The crowd at Wankhede was treated to a masterclass as Abhishek's stroke play kept the opposition on the back foot throughout his innings.
Despite some fireworks from England's Phil Salt, who made 55 runs off 23 balls, the visitors quickly faltered, finding themselves bundled out for just 97 runs within 10.3 overs. England's batting lineup struggled to keep pace against India’s relentless bowling attack, highlighted by Mohammed Shami's impressive performance, claiming three wickets to lead the dismantling of England's batting order.
India's captain, Suryakumar Yadav, expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, "It's always about being a little instinctive on the ground... at the end of the day we're getting the results." He emphasized the team's commitment to maintaining aggressive, high-risk cricket, which is clearly paying off with consistent victories.
Jos Buttler, the captain of England, acknowledged the inadequacies of his side, lamenting, "We were really outplayed." He recognized Abhishek's performance as overwhelming, describing it as "one of the best T20 knocks I've been on the receiving end of". Not only did India capitalize on their batting strengths, but their bowling proved equally devastating.
Abhishek's phenomenal innings showcased his ability to punish loose deliveries, launching fast bowlers and spinners alike. His confidence soared as he smashed boundary after boundary, and shockingly, he registered his 100 runs after just 37 deliveries, trailing only behind David Miller's record of 35 balls for the quickest century against Full Member nations.
The Indian innings started rapidly, setting up firm momentum as they reached 95 for 1 within the powerplay. England’s bowlers faced the brunt of Abhishek's explosive batting. The wickets of players like Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav may have helped to slow down India's run rate momentarily, but the onslaught continued as England’s bowlers struggled to find answers to India’s relentless attack. Despite some commendable bowling efforts, particularly from Brydon Carse, who finished with figures of three wickets for 38 runs, the overall English bowling performance fell flat and had no answers to Abhishek's bat.
Following the devastating batting display, India showcased their formidable bowling attack. The strategy to employ both pace and spin unnerved England’s batsmen, who crumbled under the pressure exerted by both the seasoned bowlers and arising talents. Abhishek himself contributed to England’s demise when he took two wickets, dismissing Brydon Carse and Jamie Overton during the ninth over, effectively putting the match beyond England’s reach.
Buttler, reflecting on the game, pointed out: "At one point I was thinking I don't want to be the team to concede 300 for the first time." India was ruthless, clearly anticipating breaking records, and it was evident from their on-field mentality.
While some may point to England’s transition and the need to build for the future, this match undeniably served as a wake-up call. Former England captain Kevin Pietersen remarked, "I struggle to recall one [T20 innings] as good as this... it was extraordinary." Alastair Cook echoed similar sentiments, stating, "This was a brutal, humbling defeat" and stressing the growing need for adaptability within the English setup.
Moving forward, the focus will shift to the upcoming ODI series, as both teams prepare to fine-tune their strategies and bolster their lineup. With matches set to begin on February 6, English players will have to regroup swiftly to face the challenges posed by India’s resurging cricket form and their own pressing need to improve.
This latest encounter certainly highlighted India's impressive form and depth, reinforcing their standing as one of the leading teams in T20 cricket following their World Cup victory. The world of cricket will be watching closely as these two teams head toward the ODI series.