England fail to match Abhishek’s score as India seal 150-run victory

Abhishek Sharma produced a blistering 135 off 54 balls, reaching his century in just 37 deliveries to propel India to a mammoth 247-run total. In response, England struggled miserably, failing to even match Abhishek's individual score as they were bowled out for just 97. India stormed to a resounding 150-run win in the fifth T20I, sealing the series 4-1.

Tasked with batting first after England won the toss, India saw Abhishek unleash an onslaught right from the start. The left-hander dismantled the English bowling attack with an array of boundaries, making a challenging wicket look like a batting paradise.

India racked up 95 runs in the powerplay, with Abhishek accounting for the majority. He brought up his fifty in just 17 balls, his strokeplay resembling the aggression of a video game. England had no answers as he continued his dominance, smashing boundaries at will.

The carnage didn't stop after the fielding restrictions were lifted. Abhishek reached his century in just 37 balls in the 11th over, the fastest by an Indian in T20Is. Even after reaching three figures, he showed no signs of slowing down, taking his tally to 135 off 54 before finally being dismissed.

Shivam Dube contributed 30 off 13 balls, while Tilak Varma added 24 off 15. By the end of 20 overs, India had amassed 247 for 9, with Abhishek surpassing Shubman Gill's unbeaten 126 against New Zealand to register the highest individual T20I score by an Indian.

Brydon Carse was the pick of the English bowlers with three wickets, while Mark Wood claimed two. Adil Rashid, Jamie Overton, and Jofra Archer took one wicket each.

Phil Salt gave England a promising start with an aggressive approach, but the wickets tumbled around him. Ben Duckett fell for a golden duck with the score at 23/1, and captain Jos Buttler followed soon after with a sluggish 7 off 7 balls. Harry Brook failed to make an impact, departing for just 2 off 4.

Despite Salt's attacking intent, England finished the powerplay at 68 for 3. However, once Salt was dismissed for a rapid 55 off 23 balls at 82/5, England's innings unraveled completely.

Liam Livingstone managed only 9 off 5 deliveries, and apart from Salt and Jacob Bethell—who scored 10 off 7—no other batter reached double figures. England suffered a shocking collapse, losing six wickets for just 15 runs, eventually crumbling for 97 all out.

India's bowlers backed up their batters' efforts in ruthless fashion. Mohammed Shami led the attack with three wickets, while Varun Chakravarthy, Shivam Dube, and Abhishek Sharma claimed two each. Ravi Bishnoi chipped in with a wicket as England had no answers to India's relentless attack.