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Abhishek Sharma smashes record 30-ball century in 3-0 sweep

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 4:15 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Abhishek Sharma Sets Record

Abhishek Sharma hit a 30-ball century against Afghanistan at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium.
The innings broke Rohit Sharma’s 35-ball Indian record, setting the fastest T20I hundred by any full-member nation.
Sharma’s 76 off 22 balls created the highest powerplay score in men’s T20Is.
India completed a 3-0 series sweep, winning the match by 127 runs.
Sharma celebrated with a meditation pose, saying it promotes mental stability.

Summary

Afghanistan Suffers Heavy Defeat

Afghanistan lost by 127 runs, their heaviest T20I defeat to a full-member nation.
The three-match series was Afghanistan’s first time hosting India, at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Delhi was chosen because it hosts the largest Afghan diaspora communities outside Afghanistan.
The “Friendship Cup” name highlighted diplomatic goodwill, yet the on-field contest was anything but friendly.
Afghanistan will field a largely different squad for the Asian Games, signalling a strategic shift.

History

Historical Context

India’s surprise win over Pakistan by five runs in the inaugural 2007 ICC World Twenty20 final in Johannesburg sparked a global T20 boom. The tournament featured twelve teams and a historic bowl-out on 14 September, highlighting the format’s drama. Today’s Friendship Cup in Delhi revisits that legacy as Abhishek Sharma eclipses Rohit Sharma’s record, underscoring T20’s lasting impact.

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Abhishek Sharma Sets Record

Abhishek Sharma hit a 30-ball century against Afghanistan at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium.
The innings broke Rohit Sharma’s 35-ball Indian record, setting the fastest T20I hundred by any full-member nation.
Sharma’s 76 off 22 balls created the highest powerplay score in men’s T20Is.
India completed a 3-0 series sweep, winning the match by 127 runs.
Sharma celebrated with a meditation pose, saying it promotes mental stability.

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