Abhishek Sharma smashes 30-ball ton, sets fastest T20I century record among Test nations
New Delhi, Sept 17 (UNI) - India opener Abhishek Sharma produced a breathtaking 30-ball century against Afghanistan in the third and final T20 International here on Thursday, rewriting the record for the fastest T20I hundred by a batsman from a Full Member nation.
Abhishek reached his third T20I hundred in 30 balls, bettering India's previous record of 35 balls held by Rohit Sharma, who reached the mark against Sri Lanka at Indore in 2017. His 30-ball effort put him at the top of the fastest T20I centuries list among Full Member nations, ahead of Sikandar Raza and Finn Allen, who both have 33-ball hundreds.
The fastest T20I hundreds by Full Member batsmen now stand at 30 balls by Abhishek Sharma for India against Afghanistan in Delhi in 2026, followed by 33 balls by Sikandar Raza for Zimbabwe against Gambia in Nairobi in 2024 and Finn Allen for New Zealand against South Africa in Kolkata in 2026. David Miller's 35-ball hundred for South Africa against Bangladesh at Potchefstroom in 2017 and Rohit Sharma's 35-ball hundred against Sri Lanka at Indore in 2017 complete the list.
The overall fastest T20I century remains Sahil Chauhan's 27-ball hundred for Estonia against Cyprus at Episkopi in 2024, followed by Muhammad Fahad's 29-ball effort for Turkey against Bulgaria in 2025. Abhishek's assault began in the powerplay, where he raced to 76 off just 22 balls as India stormed to 100 without loss in six overs.
His 76 was the highest individual score in the first six overs of a men's T20I. He reached his half-century in just 20 balls. The left-hander eventually fell for a sensational 108 off 34 balls, studded with nine fours and 11 sixes, bringing an end to one of the most explosive T20I knocks by an Indian.
Rashid Khan dismissed Abhishek with a googly outside off. Going for a loft over extra cover, Abhishek got a thick outside edge and Rahmanullah Gurbaz completed the catch behind the stumps. Abhishek took a review after his dismissal, but replays showed a clear spike, confirming the edge and ending his extraordinary innings.
Despite the dismissal, his 108 off 34 balls left India firmly in command after an extraordinary assault on the Afghanistan bowling attack. Sanju Samson provided explosive support, remaining unbeaten on 24 off 14 balls as India crossed 100 without losing a wicket. Samson also completed 9,000 runs in T20 cricket after surviving a dropped chance off Mohammad Nabi.
Afghanistan's leading bowlers, including Rashid Khan, Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Fazalhaq Farooqi, were unable to contain the Indian openers as boundaries came at a relentless rate. India, leading the series 2-0, were looking to complete a 3-0 sweep.
