India completed a 3-0 clean sweep over Afghanistan in the T20I series by winning the third and final match by 127 runs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday (September 17).
The series finale was defined by a historic batting masterclass. Opener Abhishek Sharma stole the show, blasting the fastest ever T20I century by any batter from a Test-playing nation off just 30 balls. His blistering knock of 34-ball 108 propelled India to a formidable total of 221/7 after Afghanistan chose to bowl. Sanju Samson also chipped in with a vital half-century (50 off 35) to solidify the innings.
In response, Afghanistan's run chase fell apart instantly, losing 3 wickets within the first two overs. The Indian bowling unit put on a clinical, collective display, bundling the hosts out for a mere 94 runs in 14.1 overs. Nitish Kumar Reddy and spinner Ravi Bishnoi spearheaded the bowling department, picking up three wickets each to wrap up the series whitewash.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, India skipper Shreyas Iyer praised Abhishek’s "flawless" innings, setting a new record for the fastest T20I hundred by an Indian batter
“I mean, I wouldn't say bullying, but you would definitely be respectful of the fact that you have come to India and then they were hosting the series. So commendable performance by them as well. It wasn't an easy wicket, but the way Abhishek played today was flawless, and it was just pleasing to the eye,” Iyer said.
Shreyas noted he envisioned batting first because of a brief chat with Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran. Since Zadran had chosen to bowl first in the previous games, the Indian captain correctly anticipated they would be setting a target.
“Honestly speaking, I knew that I was going to bat today because we had a brief conversation with Ibrahim. He wanted to bowl in the first two games as well. So I had this vision, envisioned that we were going to bat. But yeah, phenomenal start we got, and then obviously just to cream those runs in between to get 220 on the board was commendable,” he remarked.
Shreyas Iyer commended spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel for his incredibly disciplined, decisive spell of 2-9 in three overs, where he broke the back of the chase by dismissing dangerous openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal in a single over.
“Yes, absolutely. He's done it in the past, he's doing it now, and he's got immense experience. He knows when the critical situation arrives, and he's the man to deliver in that position. So he's been doing it over the years, and I personally feel that he's someone who has got his head on his shoulders and thinks a lot about his game, and he's been performing consistently throughout. So kudos to him,” he concluded.
