New Delhi, September 17: India’s young opening batter Abhishek Sharma produced a stunning batting display against Afghanistan on Thursday, rewriting the record books with the fastest T20 International century by an Indian batter.

Playing in the third and final T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, Abhishek reached his hundred in just 30 deliveries, surpassing the previous Indian record held by former captain Rohit Sharma. Rohit had scored a 35-ball century against Sri Lanka in Indore in 2017.

Abhishek’s explosive innings eventually ended at 108 runs from 34 balls. His knock included nine fours and 11 sixes, as he took the Afghanistan bowling attack apart with a remarkable display of power hitting.

The left-hander reached his half-century in only 16 balls before accelerating further. His innings also played a major role in India recording 100 runs during the Powerplay, a record Powerplay score for India in men’s T20Is.

With his 30-ball hundred, Abhishek also became the fastest T20I centurion among batters from Full Member nations, moving past the previous mark of 33 balls.

The century capped an impressive series for Abhishek. He had already made 82 and 39 in the opening two matches against Afghanistan, maintaining a consistent attacking approach at the top of India’s batting order.

His record-breaking innings ended when Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan dismissed him. By then, however, Abhishek had already left his mark on the match and Indian T20I history.

Following his century, Abhishek celebrated in his own distinctive style. After removing his helmet, he briefly sat on the field in a yoga-inspired meditation pose, drawing attention from teammates and spectators.

The performance further underlined Abhishek’s growing reputation as one of India’s explosive T20 batters, while his record-breaking century brought an end to Rohit Sharma’s long-standing Indian record for the fastest T20I hundred.

AI 

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