The innings was defined by a remarkable display of power-hitting, as Sharma reached his century in just 30 balls. This feat marks the fastest T20I hundred ever recorded by an Indian batter, eclipsing the previous national record of 35 balls set by Rohit Sharma against Sri Lanka in 2017. Furthermore, it stands as the fastest century by any batter from a Full Member nation against another Full Member opponent, surpassing the 33-ball efforts of Sikandar Raza and Finn Allen.
A Masterclass in Power-Hitting
Sharma’s aggressive approach allowed India to dominate the early stages of the match, propelling the team to 100 runs without loss within the six-over powerplay—the highest powerplay score for India in T20I history. Alongside opening partner Sanju Samson, who contributed a fluent 50 off 35 balls, Sharma dismantled the Afghan bowling attack with 11 sixes and nine fours. His ability to clear the boundary consistently against both pace and spin was the cornerstone of his third career T20I century.
The 25-year-old reached his milestone in the ninth over, pulling a delivery from Abdullah Ahmadzai to reach 99 before securing a single to complete the hundred. He celebrated the achievement with a meditation pose, a moment that drew significant applause from the Delhi crowd. Despite the explosive start, India’s momentum slowed in the latter stages, with the team finishing on 221 for seven after losing four wickets for 37 runs in the final five overs.
Statistical Context of the 2026 Season
The ongoing rivalry for six-hitting supremacy between Sharma and Sooryavanshi remains a key narrative of the 2026 season. While Sharma currently leads with 96 sixes, Sooryavanshi holds 86, placing him fourth on the all-time list for Indian batters in a single calendar year. However, the youngster maintains a higher frequency of clearing the ropes, averaging one six every 4.99 balls compared to Sharma’s 6.64.
Sharma’s current form places him in elite company. His 96 sixes this year represent the second-highest total by an Indian in a calendar year, trailing only his own record of 108 set in 2025. Additionally, his 11 sixes in this match rank as the second-most by an Indian in a single T20I innings, sitting just behind his own record of 13 against England in 2025. With India’s top order in dominant form, Sooryavanshi has remained on the sidelines throughout the current series.
