Abhishek Sharma Smashes Record 30-Ball Century As India Beat Afghanistan By 127 Runs

India created another dominant performance in New Delhi against Afghanistan in the third and final T20I, finishing a 3-0 series sweep after sensational opening display from Abhishek Sharma.

Sharma stole the headlines with a breathtaking 30-ball century, setting a new fastest T20I hundred record for an Indian batter. Sharma went on to make a spectacular 108 from just 34 deliveries, scoring nine fours and 11 sixes, hitting out his century just after 30 balls to have set the third fastest men's men's T20I hundred overall.

Abhishek Sharma Breaks Rohit Sharma's Record

Sharma explosive innings also saw break the previous Indian record for fastest T20I century, which belonged to Rohit Sharma who reached his hundred in 35 balls against Sri Lanka in 2017.

The left-handed opener reached his half-century in just 16 deliveries, before stepping on the gas again. Sharma hundred came in the ninth over, showing just how quick his innings had been.

Abhishek Sharma was eventually dismissed for 108 by Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who by then India had already controlled the match completely.

India Post 221 Runs

After the decision to bat first, India made an explosive start. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson added 142 runs for the opening wicket, putting India in a strong position.

Sanju Samson followed this up with another half-century, scoring 50 runs. India crossed 100 inside the first six overs and eventually came to a finish of 221/7 from their 20 overs.

Despite losing wickets towards the end of the inning, India's huge opening wicket partnership and Abhishek's amazing strike rate gave them a commanding total.

Afghanistan Struggle in the Chase

Chasing a total of 222, Afghanistan struggled right from the start. India bowlers took control from an early stage, restricting the Afghan batting lineup from building any partnerships.

Afghanistan were eventually bowled out for just 94 in 14.1 overs, handing India a huge 127 run victory.

Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravi Bishnoi bowled out some of India's best spells, taking three wickets each. Nitish took 3/25, while Bishnoi took 3/26. Axar Patel also took two wickets.

India Complete a 3-0 Series Sweep

The win completed a 3-0 clean sweep of Afghanistan in the T20I series. Abhishek's outstanding century was the highlight of the final match, as was Sanju Samson's consecutive half-centuries and India's excellent bowling attack.

Abhishek's 108 was his third T20I century and his 10th overall century in T20 cricket. Sharma's innings also included 11 sixes, one of the highest six-hitting performances by an Indian batter in a T20I.

The record-breaking performance saw Abhishek Sharma solidify himself as one of India's most explosive T20 batters. India now turn their attention to the Asian Games, while Afghanistan will also prepare for the tournament with a largely different squad.