Abhishek Sharma's 30-Ball Century Powers India to 3-0 T20I Series Sweep Over Afghanistan
Indian opening batsman Abhishek Sharma produced an extraordinary batting display on September 17, 2026, scoring a record-breaking 108 runs off just 34 balls against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. His sensational innings enabled India to post a massive total of 221/7 before bowling out Afghanistan for 94 runs in 14.1 overs, securing a commanding 127-run victory in the third T20I. With this triumph, the reigning T20 World Cup champions completed a 3-0 series sweep in the Friendship Cup 2026.
Abhishek reached his century in a mere 30 deliveries, shattering Rohit Sharma's previous record for the fastest T20I century by an Indian batter (35 balls). It also stands as the fastest T20I hundred ever scored by a player representing a Full Member nation. The left-hander's destructive knock included 9 fours and 11 sixes, operating at an astonishing strike rate of 317.64. Sanju Samson contributed a valuable half-century (50 off 31 balls) to partner Abhishek in a dominant top-order assault.
In response, Afghanistan struggled under relentless pressure from the Indian bowling unit. Spinners Ravi Bishnoi (3/26) and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy (3/25) dismantled the opposition lineup, restricting Afghanistan to just 94 runs. Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Series after ending as the top run-scorer with 229 runs at a strike rate of 269.41. The series win provides momentum for India ahead of their upcoming Asian Games 2026 campaign in Japan.
