Table of Contents
Top Headlines
- Abhishek Sharma smashed a 30-ball century against Afghanistan in the third T20I in New Delhi on September 17, 2026.
- The Indian opener broke Rohit Sharma’s previous record for the fastest T20I century by an Indian batter.
- Abhishek finished with 108 runs from 34 balls, including nine fours and 11 sixes.
- India scored 221/7 after being asked to bat first at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
- Abhishek and Sanju Samson added 142 runs for India’s opening wicket.
- Abhishek’s first fifty came from only 16 balls, adding another rapid-scoring milestone to his innings.
- India subsequently completed a 3-0 T20I series sweep over Afghanistan.
Abhishek Sharma News Today
Abhishek Sharma is the biggest name in Indian cricket news today after producing a record-breaking performance against Afghanistan in the third and final T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
The left-handed opener reached his century in just 30 balls, setting a new Indian record for the fastest men’s T20I hundred. The achievement surpassed Rohit Sharma’s previous Indian record of 35 balls, set against Sri Lanka in 2017.
Abhishek eventually finished on 108 from 34 deliveries, with nine fours and 11 sixes. His innings helped India post 221/7 after Afghanistan won the toss and chose to field.
Abhishek Sharma Creates T20I History
Abhishek’s 30-ball century was not only the fastest T20I hundred by an Indian batter but also the fastest century by a batter from a Full Member nation at the time of the innings. The ICC reported that the century was the third-fastest overall in men’s T20I cricket, behind hundreds scored in 27 and 29 balls.
His innings also continued an impressive run of explosive performances. Abhishek had scored 82 in the first T20I and 39 in the second against Afghanistan before producing his record century in the final game.
16-Ball Fifty and Powerplay Record
The Indian opener reached his half-century from only 16 balls. According to the ICC, it was another entry among India’s fastest T20I fifties, while his six-hitting during the powerplay also produced a significant 2026 statistical milestone.
Abhishek scored 76 runs during the first six overs, the highest individual score during the powerplay in men’s T20I cricket according to the reported statistics. He also moved to 37 powerplay sixes in T20Is during 2026, surpassing his previous calendar-year mark.
Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson Partnership
While Abhishek provided the explosive start, Sanju Samson supported him at the other end. The pair put together a 142-run opening partnership, with India reaching 100 during the six-over powerplay.
Samson also contributed a half-century, giving India a strong platform before Afghanistan’s bowlers fought back during the middle and final overs. India’s total eventually reached 221/7.
Rashid Khan Ends Abhishek’s Innings
Afghanistan eventually dismissed Abhishek in the 10th over. Rashid Khan bowled the delivery that ended the innings, with Abhishek attempting to attack a googly and edging the ball through to wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Despite the dismissal, Abhishek’s 108 had already established the defining moment of the match and added another major milestone to his international career.
India vs Afghanistan Series Update
The third T20I was the final match of India’s three-match series against Afghanistan. India entered the game with a 2-0 lead and ultimately completed a 3-0 series sweep.
For Indian cricket, Abhishek’s performance provides a major talking point heading into the team’s next T20 assignments. His combination of rapid scoring, powerplay aggression and six-hitting will remain an important part of coverage following the Afghanistan series.
