The Indian cricket team completed a commanding 3-0 series sweep against Afghanistan after sealing a massive 127-run victory in the third T20 international. Batting first, India unleashed an aggressive assault right from the start to post a formidable total of 221 runs on the board. In response, Afghanistan's batting lineup crumbled under relentless pressure from the Indian bowling attack, getting bundled out for just 94 runs in 14.1 overs. The one-sided triumph was engineered by an explosive opening partnership followed by a disciplined all-round bowling display.
Abhishek Sharma Blazes to the Fastest T20I Century for India
Opening batsman Abhishek Sharma led the batting charge with relentless power-hitting from the moment he walked out to the crease. Decimating the opposition bowling attack, he brought up his hundred off just 30 deliveries, earning the distinction of scoring the fastest century by an Indian batter in men's T20 international cricket. Abhishek Sharma's blistering knock ended at 108 runs from only 34 balls, an innings studded with 11 sixes and 9 fours. Capitalizing on his relentless aggression, India stormed to 100 runs without loss within the six overs of the powerplay, effectively putting the contest beyond Afghanistan within the opening hour.
Sanju Samson Anchors with Fifty and Completes 9,000 T20 Runs
Complementing Abhishek Sharma at the other end, Sanju Samson played a measured and tactically astute knock. While his partner cleared the ropes with ease, Samson rotated the strike effectively and punished loose deliveries. Capitalizing on a dropped chance, he targeted Mohammad Nabi, dispatching the experienced spinner for two consecutive straight sixes. Sanju Samson scored a responsible 50 off 35 balls, marking his second successive score of fifty or more. During this innings, Samson also breached the 9,000-run milestone in T20 cricket, joining an elite group featuring Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, while anchoring a decisive century opening stand that propelled India to 221.
Axar Patel Breaks the Top Order in the Powerplay
Defending 221, India quickly neutralized Afghanistan's chase courtesy of left-arm spinner Axar Patel. Introduced inside the powerplay, Axar struck decisive blows during the fourth over with his pinpoint accuracy. He first removed the dangerous Rahmanullah Gurbaz for 15 runs before dismissing Sediqullah Atal in quick succession. By removing both key top-order batters early in the innings, Axar Patel shattered Afghanistan's momentum and left their chase derailed right at the outset.
Nitish Kumar Reddy Rebounds Strongly with Three Wickets
All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy experienced a tough beginning after being handed the responsibility of bowling the opening over of the defense, conceding 15 runs. Demonstrating impressive resilience, Reddy bounced back strongly in his subsequent overs. Relying on deceptive variations and disciplined line and length, he dismantled Afghanistan's middle order. Nitish Kumar Reddy picked up three crucial wickets, turning his early setback into a match-defining bowling performance.
Ravi Bishnoi Runs Through the Tail with Googly Variations
Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi ensured no lower-order resistance could materialize, weaving a web around Afghanistan's middle and lower order with his sharp googlies and quick trajectory. The Afghan batters struggled to read his variations as wickets tumbled rapidly. Bishnoi ended the contest with three wickets to his name, playing a key role in folding Afghanistan's innings for just 94 runs in 14.1 overs to cap an emphatic 127-run victory.
