Team India’s Commanding Victory performance, sealing an emphatic T20I series win against England with a dominant 150-run triumph in the final match at Wankhede on Sunday. This victory secured a 4-1 series result for India against Jos Buttler’s squad. However, former England captain Michael Vaughan was not pleased with the outcome, arguing that the actual scoreline should have been 2-2. He accused India of fielding an extra player in the fourth T20I due to the controversial concussion substitute ruling.
“The final result isn’t accurate. That match should be nullified because India had the advantage of an additional player,” Vaughan stated, challenging the 4-1 series verdict.
Michael Vaughan’s Controversial Remarks
Vaughan’s frustration emerged when India’s Commanding Victory substituted Shivam Dube with Harshit Rana in the penultimate game. He had initially predicted a 4-1 or 3-2 series win for England but was left stunned as India dominated the series in style.
Abhishek Sharma: The Star Performer
Abhishek Sharma had already turned heads with a blazing 79 off 34 balls earlier in the series. However, he saved his best for the finale, smashing a breathtaking 135 off just 54 balls. This sensational innings secured him the second-fastest T20I century for India.
“I was totally focused on reacting to the ball and not following my own run. At one point, I turned to Surya [Suryakumar] paaji for his thoughts. He advised, ‘A wicket just fell, take a couple of balls to settle.’ That small suggestion changed everything. Without that clarity, I wouldn’t have reached my highest score,” Abhishek reflected after his stellar knock.
A Knock to Remember
- Fastest 50: Reached in just 17 balls
- Second-fastest T20I century for India: Achieved in 35 balls
- Highest individual T20I score by an Indian: 135 off 54 balls
The Wankhede crowd witnessed a batting masterclass as Abhishek dismantled England’s bowling lineup with raw power and exquisite timing. His aggressive stroke play propelled India to a formidable total of 249/9, making England’s chase an impossible task.
A Statement Victory Amid Controversy
Despite the debates around the concussion substitute, India comprehensively outplayed England in every department, clinching a 4-1 series triumph. With Abhishek Sharma emerging as a standout performer, India once again showcased its remarkable depth in T20 cricket. As the cricketing world takes notice, this performance signals the dawn of a fearless and aggressive era for Indian T20 cricket.
