India’s opener Abhishek Sharma achieved a remarkable milestone on Thursday, September 17, 2026, by scoring the fastest Twenty20 International century by a player from a full-member nation. He reached his hundred in just 30 balls, leading the hosts to a commanding 127-run victory over Afghanistan in Delhi. This win completed a 3-0 series sweep for India.
Fellow opener and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson chipped in with 50 off 35 deliveries as India posted 221-7 after Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bowl. Afghanistan’s reply never took off as the visitors slumped to 47-4 and were eventually bowled out for 94 in 14.1 overs. Captain Ibrahim Zadran was the only Afghanistan batter to cross 20, making 25, while India all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and spinner Ravi Bishnoi dismantled the batting lineup with three wickets apiece.
‘Very important for captain, coach to be on your side’
“It’s very particular for me, against who I play and their bowlers, how I’m going to utilise the powerplay… The way I play, it’s very important for the captain and the coach to be on your side. “You can’t be sure you’ll be doing well all the time, but the culture we’ve developed in our team is to dominate, and it’s been going well so far. “We improved a little bit in the powerplay. Totally happy with the intent…
“I feel it’s all dependent on my process before every series,” Abhishek said. “Definitely disappointed,” Zadran said.