Abhishek Sharma produced a record-breaking batting performance for India against Afghanistan in the third T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday. The left-handed opener smashed a century in just 30 balls, becoming the fastest Indian batter to score a hundred in men’s T20 Internationals.

Abhishek eventually made 108 off 34 balls, with nine fours and 11 sixes. His century came in the ninth over of India’s innings and surpassed the previous Indian record of 35 balls, held by Rohit Sharma.

Abhishek Sharma century breaks Rohit Sharma’s record

Abhishek brought up his hundred from 30 balls, breaking Rohit Sharma’s previous record of a 35-ball T20I century against Sri Lanka in Indore in 2017.

The milestone also placed Abhishek third overall on the list of fastest T20I centuries. The two faster centuries in men’s T20I cricket belong to Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan, who scored a 27-ball century, and Turkey’s Muhammad Fahad, who reached his hundred in 29 balls. 

Among batters from Full Member nations, Abhishek’s 30-ball century moved him to the top of the list. The previous mark was 33 balls, achieved by Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza and New Zealand’s Finn Allen.

Abhishek Sharma dominates the powerplay

Abhishek’s attack began from the opening overs. He reached his half-century in only 16 balls before accelerating further.

During the first six overs, Abhishek scored 76 runs from 22 balls while remaining unbeaten at the end of the Powerplay. That became the highest individual score by a batter in the first six overs of a men’s T20I, according to NDTV and ICC.

India also reached 100 without losing a wicket during the Powerplay, with Abhishek and Sanju Samson combining to take India to 100 without loss at the end of the first six overs. 

Abhishek dismissed for 108

Abhishek’s record-breaking innings ended at 108 when Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan dismissed him just before the halfway stage of India’s innings.

His final score came from 34 deliveries and included nine fours and 11 sixes, giving him a strike rate of more than 300.

Sanju Samson also contributed to India’s fast start before continuing his innings after Abhishek’s dismissal. The opening pair had put India in a strong position during the early overs.

India’s series position

India entered the third T20I with an unassailable 2-0 lead after winning both of the first two matches against Afghanistan by seven wickets.

Abhishek had already made 82 in the opening match and 39 in the second T20I before producing his record century in the final game.

The third match is being played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, with Afghanistan winning the toss and choosing to field.

What record did Abhishek Sharma break?

Abhishek Sharma broke Rohit Sharma’s record for the fastest T20I century by an Indian batter. Rohit had scored his century in 35 balls against Sri Lanka in 2017, while Abhishek reached the landmark in 30 deliveries against Afghanistan.

Mohsin Naqvi’s tenure as president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) could end before the next men’s Asia Cup, potentially opening the way for the Indian cricket team to receive the Asia Cup trophies currently held by the continental governing body.

Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s Interior Minister, became ACC president on April 3, 2025. According to the report, the ACC president serves a two-year term, which means Naqvi’s current tenure is scheduled to end on April 3, 2027.

The next men’s Asia Cup is scheduled to be played in June 2027, meaning the tournament is set to take place after Naqvi’s current term expires. An extension of his tenure would require unanimous consent, according to the report.

India’s Asia Cup trophies remain with ACC

The issue of the trophies has become a major point of contention following recent Asia Cup events.

The Indian men’s team defeated Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup final but is yet to receive the tournament trophy. The trophy was subsequently kept at the ACC office.

A similar controversy emerged during the women’s Asia Cup. The Indian women’s team did not receive the trophy from Naqvi after winning the final against Sri Lanka.

The latest report suggests that once Naqvi leaves the ACC presidency, the Indian cricket team may receive possession of both Asia Cup trophies.

Naqvi’s re-election considered unlikely

Naqvi became ACC president after Jay Shah, who held the position from 2021 to 2025. Shah was unanimously re-elected for a second term, according to the report.

However, the report says Naqvi’s chances of securing another term are considered very slim in light of the controversies surrounding his tenure. It also reports that the next ACC president is likely to come from the Afghanistan Cricket Board, with the next term expected to run until mid-2029.

For now, however, Naqvi remains the ACC president, with his existing term scheduled to continue until April 3, 2027.

India’s Women’s Asia Cup triumph was followed by another controversy surrounding the tournament trophy after the team did not accept the silverware from Asian Cricket Council chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Ground on Sunday to secure a record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup title. However, the Indian players did not come onto the field for the post-match presentation ceremony.

Fans chant “Trophy Chor” at Dubai stadium

The controversy intensified when fans at the stadium chanted “Trophy Chor” as Naqvi left the venue. The incident came a year after the Indian men’s team had also declined to receive the Asia Cup trophy and medals from Naqvi following their title win.

Unlike last year’s men’s Asia Cup episode, Naqvi left the stadium without taking the trophy with him. The trophy is currently with the ACC, according to the report.

India miss trophy presentation after Asia Cup win

India’s players also did not return to the ground after BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia presented Nandini Sharma with an in-house best fielder medal.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, completed its presentation formalities. The runners-up received their cheque from Naqvi, while the players and support staff accepted medals from Sri Lanka Cricket interim chief Eran Wikramaratne. Naqvi subsequently presented the award to Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu before leaving the stadium.

Asia Cup trophy row continues

The latest episode marks the second consecutive year in which India’s Asia Cup title celebration has been affected by a trophy presentation involving Naqvi.

The previous men’s Asia Cup incident occurred after India’s victory last year, when the team declined to receive the trophy and medals from Naqvi. This year’s women’s team has now followed a similar course after winning the title in Dubai.

The development comes amid strained India-Pakistan relations following last year’s Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. The two countries’ players have also followed a no-handshake protocol when meeting at ICC events, according to the report.