The highly anticipated fifth and final T20 International between India and England took place at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 2, 2025. The match, which was expected to be a thrilling encounter, turned into a showcase of India’s batting dominance, as the hosts delivered an electrifying performance. India clinched the series 4-1, leaving England struggling to find answers against their relentless attack. With a record-breaking knock from Abhishek Sharma, a collective all-round effort from the Indian team, and a valiant yet insufficient response from England, this match will be remembered as a landmark moment in T20 cricket history.
The match started with India winning the toss and electing to bat first. With the pitch offering true bounce and minimal movement, the conditions were perfect for a high-scoring encounter. Abhishek Sharma, opening the innings, took full advantage of the conditions, playing one of the most explosive innings in T20I history. The young left-hander smashed 135 runs off just 37 balls, setting a new benchmark for the fastest T20 century by an Indian batsman. His innings was laced with 12 massive sixes and 11 boundaries, sending the English bowlers on a leather hunt. The aggressive start put England under tremendous pressure, as India raced past 100 runs in just 6.3 overs.
At the other end, captain Rohit Sharma played a composed knock, rotating the strike and allowing Abhishek to dominate. However, Rohit was dismissed for 25 runs off 18 balls, bringing Suryakumar Yadav to the crease. The dynamic batter continued the aggressive momentum, scoring a quick 52 off 26 balls, including four sixes and five boundaries. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals towards the end of the innings, India managed to post a massive total of 247/9 in their 20 overs, marking one of the highest totals in T20 International cricket.
For England, the bowling unit had a nightmare outing. None of their premier pacers could control the onslaught from the Indian batters. Brydon Carse was the only bright spot, claiming 3 wickets for 38 runs, but he, too, struggled with his economy rate. Reece Topley and Jofra Archer were expensive, conceding runs at an economy of over 11 runs per over. The spin duo of Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali found no assistance from the pitch and were taken apart by the rampaging Indian batsmen.
Chasing an imposing total of 248, England needed a flying start, and Phil Salt delivered with an aggressive fifty off just 21 balls. However, the wickets at the other end kept falling in quick succession, leaving England in trouble at 82/4 within the first seven overs. Jos Buttler, Ben Duckett, and Liam Livingstone all fell cheaply, unable to cope with the pace attack of Jasprit Bumrah and the variations of Axar Patel.
Despite the early setbacks, Harry Brook and Sam Curran tried to revive the chase, putting up a 65-run partnership in just 35 balls. Brook, known for his ability to counterattack, played some spectacular shots, bringing up his half-century in 28 balls. However, just when England seemed to find momentum, Bumrah struck with a vital breakthrough, dismissing Brook for 57. From there, the required run rate kept climbing, and despite some late fireworks from Chris Woakes, England could only reach 204/9, handing India a 43-run victory.
Jasprit Bumrah was India’s standout bowler, finishing with figures of 3/26 in four overs, while Axar Patel chipped in with 2/30, using his spin variations effectively to stifle England’s middle order. Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav also made valuable contributions, ensuring that England never got close to the required run rate.
With this victory, India sealed the T20I series 4-1, marking a dominant performance across the five matches. The series saw several standout moments, including India’s comeback win in the fourth T20I, where they defended a challenging total of 189 amid controversial concussion substitution discussions. The series also showcased emerging talents like Abhishek Sharma, who finished as the leading run-scorer with 371 runs in five matches at an astonishing strike rate of 195.5.
This win also strengthens India’s position as one of the top-ranked teams in T20 cricket, with their focus now shifting to the three-match ODI series against England. The upcoming matches will be crucial for both teams, as they prepare for the ICC T20 World Cup later this year.
For England, the series exposed glaring weaknesses in their middle order and bowling attack, with captain Jos Buttler admitting that the team needs to rethink its approach ahead of the T20 World Cup. Ben Stokes, who was rested for the T20I series, is expected to return for the ODIs, which could bring stability to their batting lineup.
In conclusion, this India vs England T20I series was a roller-coaster ride, filled with record-breaking performances, thrilling chases, and standout individual contributions. India’s commanding performance in the final T20I not only reaffirmed their status as a dominant force in world cricket but also set the stage for an exciting year ahead in international cricket. With the T20 World Cup just months away, this series has provided both teams with valuable insights into their strengths and weaknesses, shaping their strategies for the ultimate global showdown.
