New Delhi: Abhishek Sharma delivered a performance against Afghanistan on Thursday, hitting the fastest century by an Indian in men’s T20 internationals. He reached three figures in 30 balls during the third T20I in New Delhi, breaking Rohit Sharma’s previous record of 35 balls set in 2017 against Sri Lanka.
Abhishek’s innings ended at 108 runs from 34 balls. He smashed nine fours and 11 sixes,s attacking Afghanistan’s bowlers from the first delivery. His explosive hitting set the tone for India’s powerplay.
This century also places Abhishek among the T20I centurions in men’s international cricket. Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan, who scored a hundred in 27 balls, ls and Turkey’s Muhammad Fahad, who took 29 balls, have reached the milestone faster.
Powerplay record falls
Abhishek’s dominance began from the start. In the six overs, he smashed 76 runs. A new men’s T20I record for the highest individual score during the powerplay. His aggressive start, along with Sanju Samson’s contribution,s helped India reach 100 runs inside the six overs. That marked the highest powerplay total ever recorded by India in men’s T20Is.
Samson also played a role in bringing up his half-century with 50 runs from 35 deliveries. He hit four sixes and two fours, supporting Abhishek’s innings.
A special connection with Yuvraj
Abhishek’s achievement carries significance due to his long-standing relationship with former India star Yuvraj Singh. Yuvraj has mentored Abhishek for years, and he still holds India’s record for the fastest T20I fifty. That record was set in the 2007 T20 World Cup when Yuvraj reached fifty in 12 balls against England.
This year Abhishek came close to that record when he scored a fifty in just 14 balls against New Zealand. Yuvraj had playfully reminded him that his record was still safe.
Now the mentor and the pupil each hold an Indian T20I record. Yuvraj remains the Indian to score a T20I fifty, while Abhishek has taken the title for the fastest Indian century. This moment adds another chapter to their cricketing bond.