In a stunning display of cricketing prowess, India delivered a crushing defeat to England in the fifth T20 international match held in Mumbai. The match, which took place on February 2, 2025, saw India clinch a resounding 150-run victory, marking England’s most significant loss in T20 history. This remarkable performance not only sealed India’s 4-1 series win but also showcased the emerging talent of Abhishek Sharma, whose explosive century left cricket enthusiasts in awe.
Abhishek sharma’s record-breaking innings
The 24-year-old opener, Abhishek Sharma, etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket with a breathtaking innings of 135 runs off just 54 balls. This exceptional performance not only propelled India to a formidable total but also set several records along the way. Sharma’s century, reached in a mere 37 deliveries, stands as the third-fastest in T20 internationals between Test-playing nations.
Sharma’s innings was characterized by his aggressive approach and impeccable timing. He unleashed a barrage of 13 sixes and seven fours, demonstrating his ability to dominate both pace and spin bowling. His six-hitting spree set a new national record, surpassing previous Indian performances in T20 internationals.
The young batsman’s assault on the English bowlers began in earnest during the third over, where he dispatched England’s premier fast bowler, Jofra Archer, for consecutive sixes. This set the tone for his innings, as he continued to punish the English attack throughout his stay at the crease.
India’s dominant batting display
While Sharma was undoubtedly the star of the show, India’s batting performance was far from a one-man show. The hosts capitalized on a favorable batting surface at the Wankhede Stadium, amassing an imposing total of 247-9 in their allotted 20 overs. This score represents the second-highest total ever conceded by England in T20 internationals, falling just short of Australia’s 248-6 in 2013.
The Indian innings was characterized by aggressive intent from the outset, with the team reaching a staggering 95-1 after the powerplay overs. This blistering start laid the foundation for the mammoth total that followed.
Supporting Sharma’s heroics were notable contributions from other Indian batsmen:
- Shivam Dube: 30 runs off 13 balls
- Sanju Samson: 16 runs off 7 balls
- Tilak Varma: 24 runs off 15 balls
These cameos, all scored at strike rates exceeding 200, ensured that the momentum built by Sharma’s innings was maintained throughout India’s batting effort.
England’s bowling woes and tactical missteps
England’s bowling attack struggled to contain the rampaging Indian batsmen, with their pace-heavy strategy backfiring spectacularly. The decision to rely predominantly on fast bowlers on a pitch traditionally favoring spin proved costly.
The English pace trio of Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Brydon Carse bore the brunt of the Indian onslaught. Archer, in particular, had a difficult outing, conceding 55 runs in his four overs. The pacers’ inability to vary their pace and length effectively allowed the Indian batsmen to use the pace on offer to their advantage.
England’s bowling performance can be summarized in the following table:
| Bowler | Overs | Runs Conceded | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jofra Archer | 4 | 55 | 1 |
| Mark Wood | 4 | 32 | 2 |
| Brydon Carse | 4 | 38 | 3 |
| Adil Rashid | 3 | 41 | 1 |
The lone specialist spinner, Adil Rashid, was also expensive, conceding 41 runs in his three overs. This highlighted England’s tactical error in not including more spin options on a surface that has historically favored slower bowlers.
England’s batting collapse and record defeat
Chasing an imposing target of 248, England’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure, managing only 97 runs before being bowled out in 10.3 overs. This collapse resulted in their heaviest defeat by runs in T20 international history, eclipsing their previous worst losses of 90 runs against India in 2012 and South Africa in 2022.
Phil Salt provided a brief glimmer of hope for the tourists, smashing a quick-fire 55 off 23 balls. However, his was a lone stand against the Indian bowling attack, as no other English batsman managed to score more than 10 runs. The visitors’ inability to build partnerships and maintain the required run rate led to their rapid demise.
India’s bowling attack, led by Mohammed Shami with figures of 3-25, systematically dismantled the English batting order. In a surprising turn of events, Abhishek Sharma showcased his all-round abilities by claiming 2 wickets for just 3 runs in his solitary over, removing both Brydon Carse and Jamie Overton.
This comprehensive victory not only sealed India’s dominance in the series but also raised questions about England’s approach to T20 cricket under their new coach, Brendon McCullum. As the cricketing world reflects on this record-breaking match, it’s clear that India’s aggressive brand of cricket, epitomized by Abhishek Sharma’s stellar performance, has set a new benchmark in the T20 format.
- Summer solstice 2025 : when and how to celebrate the longest day of the year - November 10, 2025
- Thunderstorm warning : Map shows areas affected across UK this weekend - November 8, 2025
- Attention required ! Essential security alert strategies to protect your digital accounts - November 7, 2025
