Mumbai, February 2, 2025 – The Wankhede Stadium witnessed a spectacular display of cricket as India clinched the 5th T20I against England, securing a series win with a formidable performance. Here’s a detailed recount of the match that not only sealed the series for India but also highlighted individual brilliance on both sides.
India, riding high on their series lead, entered the final T20I with confidence. The match started with India batting first, and they didn’t disappoint, posting a massive total of 247/9. Abhishek Sharma was the star of the innings, breaking records with an explosive 135 off 64 balls, which included 13 sixes, setting a new benchmark for the most sixes in an innings in T20Is for India. His partnership with Tilak Varma provided the backbone to the innings, but it was Sharma’s day, overshadowing even the likes of Suryakumar Yadav who struggled to find his rhythm, getting out for just 2 runs.
England, tasked with chasing down 248, found the going tough right from the start. Their innings never really got off the ground as they were bundled out for a mere 97 runs. The Indian bowlers, particularly Mohammad Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy, Abhishek Sharma, and Shivam Dube, were in top form. Shami’s return to the team was marked by a match-winning spell, claiming 3 wickets for 25 runs, while Chakaravarthy and Sharma each took 3 wickets, showcasing their spin prowess.
The Wankhede pitch, known for its batting-friendly nature, lived up to expectations. Although it provided initial assistance to pacers with some swing and seam movement, it soon turned into a batter’s paradise with short boundaries aiding high scores. The weather was clear with no interruptions, providing ideal conditions for the match, with temperatures hovering around 25-27 degrees Celsius.
With this win, India not only clinched the series 4-1 but also continued their rich vein of form in T20 cricket, having won 18 out of their last 21 T20I matches since their last T20 World Cup victory. This performance sends a strong message as they shift focus to the upcoming ODI series against England, followed by the Champions Trophy.
The 5th T20I at Wankhede was more than just a series decider; it was a showcase of India’s depth in talent and their aggressive brand of cricket under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav. For England, despite the loss, there were learning curves, especially from their bowlers who had moments of brilliance amidst the onslaught. This match will be remembered for Abhishek Sharma’s monumental innings and India’s comprehensive victory, setting the stage for an exciting transition to the 50-over format.