18 September 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : India opener Abhishek Sharma created history by smashing a breathtaking 30-ball century against Afghanistan in the third and final T20I in New Delhi, becoming the fastest batter from a Test-playing nation to score a hundred in men’s T20 internationals.
The explosive knock also saw Abhishek break Rohit Sharma’s long-standing Indian record for the fastest T20I century.
30-Ball Century Breaks Rohit’s Record
Abhishek reached three figures in just 30 balls, five deliveries quicker than Rohit’s previous Indian record of 35 balls, set against Sri Lanka in Indore in December 2017.
The left-hander eventually fell for 108 off 34 balls, smashing 11 sixes and nine fours during an extraordinary display of power hitting.
Fastest Among Test-Playing Nations
Abhishek’s 30-ball century also moved him ahead of the previous 33-ball marks held by Sikandar Raza of Zimbabwe and Finn Allen of New Zealand.
He now has the fastest T20I hundred by a batter representing a Test-playing nation. Overall, however, his 30-ball effort ranks third in men’s T20I history, behind Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan, who scored a 27-ball hundred, and Turkey’s Muhammad Fahad, who reached three figures in 29 balls.
Explosive Powerplay Sets Up Record
Abhishek’s assault began early in the innings. He reached his half-century from just 16 balls and raced to 76 not out from 22 balls by the end of the powerplay.
That 76-run effort became the highest individual score in the first six overs of a men’s T20I, while India also crossed 100 during the powerplay for the first time.
Sanju Samson Provides Support
Abhishek was supported by Sanju Samson, who contributed a fluent 50 off 35 balls.
The pair’s aggressive opening stand powered India to a huge total after Afghanistan opted to field first.
India Post 221 Before Bowling Afghanistan Out
India finished with 221/7, with Abhishek’s 108 forming the centrepiece of the innings.
Afghanistan struggled in the chase and were bowled out for 94, giving India a commanding 127-run victory and a 3-0 series sweep.
Bowlers Complete the Series Sweep
India’s bowlers maintained the pressure after the huge total.
Ravi Bishnoi and Nitish Kumar Reddy each claimed three wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah and Yash Thakur also contributed with important breakthroughs. Afghanistan were dismissed in the 15th over.
Abhishek’s Third T20I Century
The record-breaking innings was Abhishek’s third T20I century.
He now trails only Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav among Indian batters for the number of hundreds in men’s T20Is, according to the reported records.