Abhishek Sharma makes history; sets record for the fastest T20I century for India off 30 balls
On September 17, 2026, during the third T20I against Afghanistan in New Delhi, Abhishek Sharma set the record for the fastest T20I century in Indian men's cricket by reaching the milestone in just 30 balls. He scored 108 runs off 34 balls—including 11 sixes—and completed his half-century in just 16 balls. Abhishek's 30-ball century ranks as the third-fastest in world T20I cricket; he trails only Sahil Chauhan (27 balls) and Muhammad Fahad (29 balls). India completed a 3-0 clean sweep of the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan.
In the third T20I played between India and Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on September 17, 2026, Indian opener Abhishek Sharma made history by scoring a century off just 30 balls. This marks the fastest T20 International century in Indian men's cricket. He surpassed the record held by Rohit Sharma, who had scored a century off 35 balls against Sri Lanka in Indore in 2017.
Key highlights of the innings:
Abhishek Sharma completed his half-century in just 16 balls and scored over 50 runs in the subsequent 14 balls to reach the century mark. He was eventually dismissed for 108 runs off 34 balls by Rashid Khan. His innings featured 11 sixes, tying for the second-highest number of sixes hit by an Indian male batsman in a single T20I innings.
Third-fastest T20I century globally:
With this 30-ball century, Abhishek Sharma became the batsman with the third-fastest century in men's T20 International cricket. Ahead of him are Estonia's Sahil Chauhan (27 balls) and Turkey's Muhammad Fahad (29 balls). Following them, Namibia's Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton and Zimbabwe's Sikandar Raza have scored centuries off 33 balls.
An example of aggressive batting in Indian T20 cricket:
Abhishek's innings highlights the importance of a high run-rate and aggressive batting during the Powerplay within India's modern T20 batting strategy. In the third T20I, Abhishek and Sanju Samson shared a 100-run partnership for India during the Powerplay, marking India's best team scoring performance in this phase of the format.
India's performance in the bilateral series:
All matches of the three-game T20I series against Afghanistan were played in Delhi. India achieved a 3-0 clean sweep in the series. Abhishek also delivered impressive performances in the first two matches—scoring 82 runs off 32 balls in the first match and 39 runs off 19 balls in the second.
Significance for UPSC:
While this news primarily relates to sports and sporting records, aspects such as international cricket, the T20 format, India-Afghanistan sporting relations, records and achievements in sports, and India's global sporting standing are significant for UPSC purposes. Key factual points to remember include: Abhishek Sharma, 30 balls, 108 runs, against Afghanistan, New Delhi, India's fastest T20I century, and the third-fastest T20I century globally.
