Abhishek Sharma produced a breathtaking batting display as India chased down Afghanistan’s 157-run target with ease in the first T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The left-handed opener gave India a flying start during the powerplay and played a major role in the seven-wicket victory. Abhishek was particularly destructive against Fazalhaq Farooqi, taking the Afghanistan pacer for 20 runs in one over. His aggressive strokeplay helped India take control of the chase early, while Ishan Kishan provided excellent support at the other end.

The fifth over proved particularly costly for Afghanistan, with India collecting 26 runs. Ishan began the assault by smashing a six over deep backward square leg before following it up with a boundary. Abhishek then joined the attack, hitting another six and four. A wide that raced away to the boundary added five more runs to India’s total.

Abhishek’s spectacular innings also saw him reach a significant T20 milestone. He became the fastest Asian batter to complete 6,000 runs in T20 cricket, adding another landmark to an already impressive career.

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The young opener eventually departed for a magnificent 82 off just 32 balls, smashing seven fours and seven sixes. Ishan Kishan narrowly missed out on a half-century, scoring 42 from 33 deliveries with five fours and a six.

Abhishek Sharma doing what he does best 🫡 💥

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The pair’s 121-run partnership from only 53 balls created another record. According to Cricbuzz statistics, it was the highest-ever 100-plus partnership against Afghanistan in T20Is, surpassing the previous mark held by Rohit Sharma and Rinku Singh, who had shared an unbeaten 190-run stand from 93 balls in Bengaluru in 2024.

Afghanistan had earlier managed 156 runs, despite taking Sanju Samson’s wicket inside the powerplay. However, the total proved insufficient once Abhishek and Ishan launched their counterattack.

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India completed the chase in just 13.4 overs, with captain Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma finishing the job without taking unnecessary risks. India now lead the three-match series 1-0. The second T20I will be played on September 15, followed by the final match on September 17. Both games will take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.