Indian opener Abhishek Sharma produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting against Afghanistan in the final T20 international of the series, shattering international records with a blistering 30-ball century. Setting the tone from the outset, the left-handed batsman dispatched the very first delivery of the match over the boundary rope for six, launching an unrelenting assault on the Afghan bowling attack. He dominated proceedings with a flurry of boundaries to secure his third career T20 international hundred in record-breaking fashion.
The explosive knock established a historic benchmark, making Sharma the owner of the fastest century in T20 international history among full member, test-playing nations.
The record was previously held by New Zealand opener Finn Allen, who reached his century off 33 balls against South Africa earlier this year. Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza also matched that 33-ball milestone in an outing against Gambia; however, Gambia is not a full ICC member nation.
When considering statistics across all International Cricket Council members, including associate nations, Sharma’s 30-ball century stands as the joint third-fastest overall. Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan holds the all-time international record, having smashed a 27-ball century against Cyprus. Muhammad Fahad of Turkey ranks second on the global list after registering a 29-ball hundred against Bulgaria.
Despite reaching his milestone in record time, Sharma was unable to extend his innings significantly further. The Indian opener faced just four additional deliveries after completing his hundred before departing for a whirlwind 108 runs off 34 balls. His dominant performance featured nine boundaries and eleven towering sixes, writing his name into the record books of modern T20 cricket.
