Abhishek Sharma Reflects on Record-Breaking 135 vs England: “A Special Knock for My Country”

The young batter’s explosive innings helped India crush England by 150 runs, sealing a 4-1 series victory in Mumbai.

Abhishek Sharma on His Record-Breaking Knock: “Always a Great Feeling Playing for India”

Mumbai, February 3 – India’s rising star Abhishek Sharma described his stunning 135-run knock in the 5th T20I against England as “special,” calling it an unforgettable moment for his country.

The 24-year-old opener smashed records at Wankhede Stadium, registering the highest-ever T20I score by an Indian, surpassing Shubman Gill’s 126 against New Zealand*. His blistering innings helped India post 247/9 and bowl out England for just 97, securing a dominant 150-run victory and a 4-1 series win.

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Abhishek Sharma on His Aggressive Approach & Favorite Shots

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Abhishek revealed his game plan and credited captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir for backing his attacking style:

“It’s a special one, coming for the country, always a great feeling. When I see it’s my day, I always try to go from the first ball. The way the coach and the captain have treated me from the first day, they’ve always wanted this intent and backed me.”

Abhishek, who played with a strike rate of 250.00, smashing 7 fours and 13 sixes, spoke about his favorite moments in the match:

“When you’re hitting a world-class bowler over the covers [off Jofra Archer], it’s always great, but I liked the shots against Adil Rashid as well.”

He also acknowledged his mentor, Yuvraj Singh, who has been instrumental in his development:

“He’s always wanted me to bat into the 15th, 20th over, and I’ve tried to implement that. Probably he should be happy today.”

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Match Recap: India Crushes England by 150 Runs

England won the toss and opted to bowl first, but Abhishek Sharma stole the show with his record-breaking century.

🔹 Abhishek Sharma (135 off 54 balls) – Fastest T20I century by an Indian, highest individual T20I score for India.
🔹 India posted 247/9, with Brydon Carse (3 wickets) and Mark Wood (2 wickets) leading England’s bowling attack.

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England’s Batting Collapse: All Out for 97

Despite a fighting fifty from Philip Salt (55 off 23 balls), England’s batting order collapsed completely, with no other player making an impact.

✅ Abhishek Sharma (3/14), Shivam Dube (3/20), and Varun Chakravarthy (3/16) delivered an exceptional bowling performance, bundling England out for 97 in just 11 overs.

India’s comprehensive victory marked one of their biggest T20I wins and sent a strong message ahead of the T20 World Cup.

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Awards & Takeaways

🏆 Player of the Match – Abhishek Sharma (135 runs, 3 wickets)
🏆 Player of the Series – Varun Chakravarthy (Consistent bowling throughout the series)

With his aggressive intent and record-breaking knock, Abhishek Sharma has firmly cemented his place as one of India’s most promising young batters.