“Flawless Play”: Iyer Praises Sharma’s Century Against Afghanistan
India captain Shreyas Iyer praised Abhishek Sharma for his outstanding batting performance in the third and final T20I against Afghanistan. India defeated Afghanistan by 127 runs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi and completed a 3-0 series sweep.
Abhishek Sharma played an explosive innings of 108 runs from just 34 balls. He reached his century in only 31 deliveries, setting a new record for the fastest T20I century by an Indian batter. His innings included nine fours and 11 sixes and helped India score 221 runs for seven wickets after being asked to bat first.
Sharma started aggressively and reached his half-century in just 16 balls. He continued attacking the Afghanistan bowlers and quickly moved towards his century. His powerful hitting gave India a strong total and put the visitors under considerable pressure.
After India’s innings, the bowlers continued the team’s dominance. Afghanistan were bowled out for just 94 runs in 14.1 overs. Ravi Bishnoi and Nitish Kumar Reddy claimed three wickets each, while India’s other bowlers also kept the pressure on the Afghanistan batting line-up.
The defeat was Afghanistan’s lowest total against India in T20I cricket and also their biggest defeat against India in the format. India’s all-round performance ensured that they finished the three-match series without losing a game.
Iyer said he had expected India to bat first after speaking with Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran before the match. The decision proved useful as India’s batters took advantage of the conditions and produced a high-scoring innings.
Speaking after the match, Iyer praised Sharma’s performance and said it was a pleasure to watch him bat with such confidence and freedom. He also highlighted the contributions of other players, including Axar Patel, whose bowling has remained consistent for the team.
Sharma said the team is focused on maintaining an aggressive style of cricket as it prepares for the upcoming World Cup. He also stressed the importance of staying united during difficult periods.
The young batter acknowledged the support he has received from Iyer and head coach Rahul Dravid. According to Sharma, the confidence given by the captain and coaching staff has allowed him to play his natural game without unnecessary pressure.
Sharma also explained that he prepares carefully before every series by studying the opposition and planning how to approach different bowlers and situations. He said that while batters can experience both good and bad periods, the team must continue to support one another.
India’s 3-0 series victory over Afghanistan has given the team another positive result ahead of the World Cup. Sharma’s record-breaking century was the highlight of the final match, while the bowlers ensured that India completed a convincing victory.