New Delhi, September 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Abhishek Sharma produced a breathtaking record-breaking century as India defeated Afghanistan by 127 runs in the third T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday to complete a 3-0 series sweep.
Playing before 26,230 spectators, the left-handed opener smashed 108 off just 34 balls, including nine fours and 11 sixes, at a staggering strike rate of 317.65. He reached his century in only 30 balls — the fastest T20I hundred by a batter from a Test-playing nation and the quickest by an Indian men’s batter.
Abhishek surpassed Rohit Sharma’s 35-ball century against Sri Lanka in 2017 and moved to third on the overall list behind Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan (27 balls) and Turkey’s Muhammad Fahad (29).
His assault helped India race to 100/0 in the power play. Abhishek reached his half-century in just 16 balls before completing his third T20I hundred in the ninth over. He eventually fell to Rashid Khan, who had him edge a googly through to Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Abhishek shared a 142-run opening partnership with Sanju Samson, who scored 50 off 35 balls for his second consecutive half-century in the series. India eventually posted 221/7, despite losing four wickets in the final four overs.
Rashid was influential in the field for Afghanistan, contributing to a run-out and taking two outstanding catches, while Azmatullah Omarzai claimed 2-27 and Abdullah Ahmadzai took 1-38.
In reply, Afghanistan were bowled out for 94 in 14.1 overs. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravi Bishnoi claimed three wickets apiece, with Reddy finishing with 3-25 and Bishnoi 3-26.
Afghanistan began positively, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran taking 15 runs from the opening over. But Axar Patel struck with his first delivery to remove Gurbaz, while Sediqullah Atal soon followed after top-edging a slog sweep to Abhishek at deep midwicket.
Jasprit Bumrah then yorked Darwish Rasooli with a 140-kmph delivery before Yash Thakur accounted for Ibrahim Zadran. With four wickets down inside the power play, Afghanistan’s chase quickly lost momentum.
Reddy returned to remove Mohammad Nabi and later completed his second consecutive three-wicket haul. Bishnoi dismissed Noor ul Rahman, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rashid Khan and Abdullah Ahmadzai as India wrapped up a comprehensive victory.
The win gave India their second consecutive 3-0 T20I series sweep after they defeated Zimbabwe by the same margin in July.
Brief Scores:
India 221/7 in 20 overs: Abhishek Sharma 108, Sanju Samson 50; Azmatullah Omarzai 2-27, Abdullah Ahmadzai 1-38.
Afghanistan 94 all out in 14.1 overs: Ibrahim Zadran 25, Azmatullah Omarzai 17; Nitish Kumar Reddy 3-25, Ravi Bishnoi 3-26.
India won by 127 runs.
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