1st T20I: Abhishek Sharma's Blazing Fifty Powers India To Emphatic Win vs England

Abhishek Sharma smashed a blistering 34-ball-79 in an exhibition of breathtaking power-hitting on the back of a disciplined bowling effort, as India outplayed England by seven wickets in the first T20I in Kolkata on Wednesday. India now lead the five-match series 1-0. On a day when Gautam Gambhir's coaching set-up made headlines by delaying Mohammed Shami's much-anticipated return to international cricket, India bundled out England for a paltry 132 at Eden Gardens, where the average first-innings score is around 195.

Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy was at his devastating best, returning figures of 3/23, ably supporting left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh's record-breaking spell of 2/17.

Arshdeep not only rattled England with his precision but also etched his name in the record books, surpassing Yuzvendra Chahal (96 wickets) to become India's leading wicket-taker in T20Is with 97 scalps.

But Abhishek's clean hitting, including five fours and eight sixes, in a 20-ball half-century, took the game away from England as India cruised to the target in commanding fashion with 43 balls to spare.

He shared a third wicket partnership with Tilak Verma (19 not out) who showed fine maturity in the partnership of 84 that came at a strike rate of 200.

Abhishek showcased his full range of shots, flicking one over fine leg reminiscent of Yuvraj Singh, backing away to uppercut another for six over third man, and finishing the over with a straight-driven boundary.

The 18-run over eased the pressure on India and shifted the game decisively.

India's strategy against Archer's final over was cautious, as Abhishek and Tilak Varma played him out with maturity.

Abhishek was handed a lifeline on 29 when Adil Rashid spilled a sharp return catch.

Capita