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.

Abhishek Sharma scored a 20-ball half-century as India beat England by seven wickets Wednesday in the first T20 of their five-match series. India's opener smacked five fours and eight sixes, scoring 79 off 34 balls,

Abhishek Sharma engineered an explosive performance and delivered India's second-fastest fifty for India against England (in terms of balls faced) in the T20I format at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Indian left-handers bashing English bowlers in the T20I format has been a love affair that became famous with Yuvraj Singh's exploits in the 2007 T20 World Cup.

Yuvraj Singh playfully lauded Abhishek Sharma for his scintillating knock against England, blending wit with praise, as the young opener's 79-run innings powered India to a commanding seven-wicket victory in the T20I series opener in Kolkata.

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

Well played sir, top knock' - Yuvraj Singh praises Abhishek Sharma after smashing 20-ball fifty against England in Kolkata (Photo Source- Getty Images) India’s young opener, Abhishek Sharma, stole the spotlight in the first T20I against England at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens,

Kolkata: Inspired bowling and a 34-ball 79 by opener Abhishek Sharma helped India to a crushing seven-wicket win over England in the first T20 international on Wednesday. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy and fast bowler Arshdeep Singh shared five wickets between them as India bowled out England for 132 after the hosts elected to field first in Kolkata.