Abhishek Sharma’s 108-Run Blitz Lifts India To 221/7 In 3rd T20I

India posted 221/7 after Abhishek Sharma launched an extraordinary attack on Afghanistan’s bowling at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in the third and final T20I on Thursday.

The left-handed opener hammered 108 from 34 deliveries, with nine fours and 11 sixes powering his innings at a strike rate of 317.65.

He brought up his century from just 30 balls, recording the fastest T20I hundred by a batter from a Test-playing nation and the quickest century by an Indian men’s batter.

Abhishek immediately put Afghanistan under pressure after Ibrahim Zadran opted to bowl first. He raced to his fifty in only 16 balls and helped India reach 100 without losing a wicket by the end of the powerplay.

Sanju Samson complemented the opener with a fluent 50 from 35 balls. The two openers stitched together 142 runs before Afghanistan finally broke the partnership.

Afghanistan could not find an answer to Abhishek’s aggressive strokeplay during the early overs. Fazalhaq Farooqi conceded 23 runs in one over, while Mohammad Nabi leaked 29 from his solitary over.

Rashid Khan eventually dismissed Abhishek in the 10th over with a googly. He then remained heavily involved in Afghanistan’s fightback by producing a direct-hit run-out and taking two spectacular catches.

Azmatullah Omarzai finished with two wickets for 27 runs, while Abdullah Ahmadzai claimed one wicket on his series debut.

Afghanistan removed four Indian batters during the final five overs as India lost momentum towards the close. Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube and Nitish Kumar Reddy all departed during the late surge.

India captain Shreyas Iyer added 29 before Afghanistan dismissed him, although India had already moved beyond the 220-run mark.

Abhishek’s explosive century ultimately provided the foundation for India’s imposing total.

Brief Scores

India: 221/7 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 108, Sanju Samson 50; Azmatullah Omarzai 2-27, Abdullah Ahmadzai 1-38) against Afghanistan.

Also Read: Afghanistan Opt To Bowl As India Eye 3-0 T20I Series Sweep In Delhi