Abhishek Sharma Shines with Record Century in India's T20I Victory Over Afghanistan

In a spectacular display of cricket, India triumphed over Afghanistan by 127 runs in the final T20I, completing a series sweep. Abhishek Sharma's explosive century, achieved in just 31 balls, set a new record and earned him accolades as Player of the Match and Series. Captain Shreyas Iyer praised the team's performance and highlighted their aggressive strategy leading up to the World Cup. With a strong bowling effort and a focus on teamwork, India showcased their dominance in the series. Read on to discover more about this thrilling match and Abhishek's insights on the team's culture and preparation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 18, 2026, 01:36 IST

India Completes Series Sweep Against Afghanistan

In a thrilling finale at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday, India secured a commanding 127-run victory over Afghanistan, thanks to captain Shreyas Iyer's commendation of Abhishek Sharma's remarkable century. This win marked a clean sweep of the three-match T20I series.

Iyer expressed his admiration for Abhishek's performance, stating, "His play today was impeccable and visually stunning," during the post-match presentation.

Abhishek's explosive innings of 108 runs off just 34 deliveries included a record-setting century off 31 balls, propelling India to a total of 221 for seven after they opted to bat first. His outstanding performance earned him both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series titles.

The Indian bowlers then restricted Afghanistan to a mere 94 runs in 14.1 overs, with Ravi Bishnoi and Nitish Kumar Reddy each taking three wickets. This defeat represented Afghanistan's largest margin in T20I history, while their score was the lowest they have ever recorded against India in this format.

Iyer revealed that he had anticipated batting first after discussing strategies with Afghanistan's captain Ibrahim Zadran. "I had a feeling we would bat today based on our conversation. Ibrahim wanted to bowl in the earlier matches, so I envisioned us batting first. The start we got was phenomenal, and accumulating 220 runs was commendable," he noted.

Abhishek's innings featured nine fours and 11 sixes, reaching his half-century in just 16 balls and breaking Rohit Sharma's previous record for the fastest century by an Indian in T20Is, which was achieved in 35 balls against Sri Lanka in 2017.

After receiving his awards, Abhishek emphasized the team's commitment to an aggressive playing style as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup. "We've been focused on this approach for the past two years. A couple of poor series won't define our batting unit. We aim to dominate consistently leading up to the World Cup, regardless of the opponent," he stated.

He highlighted the significance of teamwork and support, attributing his success to thorough preparation and strategic planning against opponents. "As a batter, there are ups and downs, but unity and support within the team are crucial. My performance is influenced by my preparation for each series and the bowlers I face," Abhishek explained.

He also acknowledged the vital role of the captain and coach in fostering an environment where he can play freely. "It's essential for the captain and coach to support my style of play. I want to focus on watching the ball and playing naturally. It's straightforward; I just want to express myself on the field," he added.

Iyer also commended Axar Patel for his pivotal bowling performance, which included two key wickets in the fourth over, dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal. "He has consistently delivered in critical situations and possesses immense experience. His ability to perform under pressure is commendable," Iyer remarked.

Abhishek concluded by reiterating the positive culture within the team that encourages players to express themselves. "While performance can fluctuate, our team's culture is about dominance, and it has been effective so far," he said.