# Abhishek Sharma’s 30-ball century powers India to 127-run win

2026-09-17T17:57:10+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 6 independent outlets

Abhishek Sharma smashed a 30-ball century, the fastest by an Indian in T20Is and the quickest by a batter from a Full Member nation, as India beat Afghanistan by 127 runs in the third T20I in New Delhi on Thursday. The left-hander's 108 off 34 balls, with nine fours and 11 sixes, powered India to 221 for 7. Sanju Samson scored 50 off 35 balls, and the pair put on 142 runs for the first wicket in 9.5 overs. Afghanistan were bowled out for 94 in 14.1 overs, with Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravi Bishnoi taking three wickets each and Axar Patel taking two. The win completed a 3-0 series sweep for India. The Times of India notes Abhishek also broke the record for most runs in the powerplay in a men's T20I, scoring 76 runs in the first six overs.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

Coverage across all six sources is uniform straight reporting, led by Abhishek Sharma's record-breaking century and India's 3-0 sweep. The Times of India focused on the statistical milestones, while The Hindu and ABP News gave vivid match descriptions and bowling breakdowns. The Economic Times and Deccan Herald carried agency-style briefs. No source deviated from neutral reporting or adopted a critical or political stance. The match leaves India's T20I batting depth as the key story: with Abhishek's form, India's next assignment against a stronger side will test whether this batting dominance can be sustained against top-tier attacks. The board will announce the squad for the England T20I series next month.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com (neutral report) <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-afghanistan/rohit-sharmas-record-broken-virat-kohlis-equalled-list-of-abhishek-sharmas-records-after-30-ball-century-vs-afghanistan/articleshow/134316347.cms>
  Led with records list, no framing beyond statistics
- thehindu.com (neutral report) <https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/afghanistan-vs-india-third-t20i-abhisheks-hurricane-hundred-sets-up-men-in-blues-emphatic-series-sweep/article71478047.ece>
  Match description with quotes and context, no slant
- news.abplive.com (neutral report) <https://news.abplive.com/sports/cricket/ind-vs-afg-3rd-t20i-india-defeat-afghanistan-by-127-runs-abhishek-sharma-century-1867154>
  Straight match report with FAQ, no political angle
- economictimes.indiatimes.com (neutral report) <https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/cricket/india-crush-afghanistan-by-127-runs-in-3rd-t20i-to-take-series-3-0/articleshow/134318211.cms>
  Brief agency-style summary, no slant
- indiatvnews.com (neutral report) <https://www.indiatvnews.com/sports/cricket/abhishek-sharma-architects-india-s-carnage-with-quickfire-century-shreyas-men-seal-3-0-series-win-vs-afghanistan-2026-09-17-1054558>
  Opener noted selection speculation, but no slant
- deccanherald.com (neutral report) <https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/cricket/3rd-t20i-india-crush-afghanistan-by-127-runs-to-take-series-3-0-4150086>
  Agency copy, no slant

Tags: Abhishek Sharma, Afghanistan, India, Rohit Sharma, T20I, Virat Kohli
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