There are special innings, and then there are moments that make you question what you thought you knew about batting. Abhishek Sharma's performance in the third T20 international against Afghanistan in Delhi firmly belongs in the latter category. The young Indian opener reached three figures off just 30 deliveries — the fastest century ever recorded in a T20 international between two full-member nations — as India posted 221-7 and went on to win by a commanding 127 runs, completing a clean 3-0 series sweep.
A Century That Defied Belief
Batting records in T20 cricket are rewritten with increasing frequency, but what Abhishek produced in Delhi was something genuinely extraordinary. The 26-year-old left-hander surpassed the previous full-member benchmark of 33 balls, set by New Zealand's Finn Allen against South Africa at this year's T20 World Cup, with room to spare. He brought up the milestone in the ninth over, at which point India had already raced to 132-0. Of those runs, a staggering 96 came directly from the boundary — a statistic that underlines just how cleanly he was striking the ball. His only departures from boundary-hitting were a two in the third over, a single in the preceding over, and the nudge that completed his century. He went on to make 108 from 34 balls in total, laced with nine fours and 11 sixes.
Tactical Brilliance Against Afghanistan's Attack
From a coaching perspective, what struck me most was how Abhishek picked his areas and executed them relentlessly. He was merciless against Afghanistan's pace bowlers, consistently finding the boundary with his pull shot whenever they strayed short. Against the spinners, he used the crease intelligently and drove with tremendous power through and over the line. India gorged 100 runs in the powerplay, and even after Abhishek was eventually caught behind off Rashid Khan's bowling, the damage had long been done. The final 10.1 overs added a further 79 runs, with Sanju Samson contributing a handy 50 from 35 balls in support. Afghanistan's bowlers, particularly Omarzai who finished with 2-27, at least showed some discipline, but there was very little anyone could have done against Abhishek at his brutal best.
Afghanistan Crumble in Familiar Fashion
Chasing 222 was always going to be a tall order, and Afghanistan were swept aside for just 94 in 14.1 overs. Zadran's 25 from 16 balls was the only innings of any note as India's bowlers maintained relentless pressure throughout. Ravi Bishnoi was the pick of the attack, taking 3-26, and the series ended in the most emphatic fashion imaginable for the hosts. From a betting standpoint, India's dominance throughout this series would have made them short-priced favourites heading into each game — and punters backing the hosts to win the series clean sweep would have found little value, though those who backed India on the runs handicap in this final match were likely well rewarded.
Putting the Record in Context
It is worth noting that, remarkable as this innings was in international terms, it is not even Abhishek's personal best in T20 cricket. That distinction belongs to a 28-ball century he struck for Punjab against Meghalaya in Indian domestic cricket in 2024. This international effort was his third T20 international century and his tenth at T20 level overall — figures that speak to a batsman who is consistently performing at a level few can match. Still only 26, Abhishek Sharma looks every bit a generational talent. If he can maintain this form, we may be seeing records fall for years to come.
Scorecard — India vs Afghanistan, 3rd T20I, Delhi:
India 221-7 (20 overs): Abhishek 108 (34), Samson 50 (35); Omarzai 2-27
Afghanistan 94 (14.1 overs): Zadran 25 (16); Bishnoi 3-26
India won by 127 runs
