Abhishek Sharma delivered a once-in-a-generation T20I innings in the final match against England, smashing an incredible 135 off just 54 balls. His knock, laced with 13 sixes and seven fours, helped India post a mammoth 247/9, ultimately leading to a crushing 150-run victory over England. This performance not only secured a 4-1 series win for India but also earned widespread acclaim from cricketing greats, including England head coach Brendon McCullum.
Brendon McCullum’s admiration: A knock among the greats
McCullum, himself known for his aggressive batting style, was in awe of Abhishek’s knock. Speaking after the match, McCullum acknowledged that the young left-hander played one of the finest T20 innings ever seen and compared him with three greats of T20 cricket. McCullum emphasized that Abhishek’s timing, placement, and power-hitting against England’s bowling attack made it one of the toughest nights for his team. Despite multiple bowling changes and varied field settings, England found no answers to his assault.
“First and foremost, the innings we saw from Abhishek is as good an innings as we’ve ever witnessed in T20 cricket. He’s not just doing it against any attack, he’s doing it against four guys who bowl 90mph and an absolute gun leg-spinner,” McCullum was quoted as saying by the India Today.
“I’m very realistic that when I see someone come out of the telephone box and play an innings like that, sometimes you throw all the different plans you want at it but if he’s hitting it like that, you really can’t stop it. We’ve seen so many players over the years in this format that have been able to do it – Chris Gayle, Aaron Finch, AB de Villiers – and maybe Abhishek Sharma is putting his hand up as one of those players,” McCullum concluded.
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The significance of Abhishek Sharma’s knock for India
Abhishek’s innings was not just another high-scoring T20 knock; it was a statement of intent from the young batter. At just 24 years old, he demonstrated an ability to dominate on the international stage, proving that he is a player to watch out for in future tournaments. His 135 off 54 balls is now one of the highest individual scores by an Indian batter in T20Is, placing him among the elite. His 13 sixes in the innings equaled the record for the most sixes in an innings by an Indian in T20Is, a feat previously achieved by Rohit Sharma and Yuvraj Singh. Additionally, he became the first Indian to score a T20I century in fewer than 40 balls, achieving the milestone in just 38 deliveries.