India has won the toss and elected to bowl first in the series-opening T20 against England’s cricketers in Kolkata

A blistering 79 (34) from Abhishek Sharma powered India to victory against England in the 1st T20I at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Abhishek attacked the star England bowlers as India chased down 133 in just 12.5 overs. He also added pivotal stands with Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma.

Abhishek Sharma now holds a T20I record that was previously jointly held by Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and four other Indian cricketers.

Sharma got to his 50 in 20 balls, only bettered by his mentor Yuvraj Singh, who owns the record of the fastest 50 by an Indian in T20Is. Singh had reached the milestone in just 12 balls during a match in Durban in 2007.

What was Abhishek's reward after the match? A standing ovation from a capacity Eden Gardens aside, praise from his mentor Yuvraj, albeit in a cheeky way.

Former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh who coached Abhishek Sharma praised his student after his 79 off 34 hard-hitting knock against England in Kolkata.

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 T20

Abhishek Sharma's explosive knock of 79 runs off just 34 balls dismantled England's bowling attack, guiding India to a dominant victory. Chasing the 132-run target with ease, India wrapped up the match in under 13 overs with 7 wickets in hand.

Abhishek Sharma thanked captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir for providing him and other youngsters with the freedom.