India created history in the third T20I against Afghanistan as Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson produced a breathtaking batting display at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
After Afghanistan opted
to bowl first, India came out with an ultra-aggressive approach and completely dominated the opening six overs. The Indian openers raced to 100/0 after the powerplay, registering the highest powerplay score in India’s T20I history.
The remarkable start surpassed India’s previous record of 95/1, which was scored against England in the fifth T20I in Mumbai in February 2025.
💯 up for #TeamIndia in the powerplay 🔥
Abhishek Sharma 🤝 Sanju Samson
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/Zixki4RhPt#AFGvIND pic.twitter.com/o6aPchR2db
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 17, 2026
Abhishek Sharma smashes 50 off just 16 balls
Abhishek Sharma was the chief aggressor during the record-breaking powerplay. The left-handed opener smashed Afghanistan’s bowlers all around the ground, reaching 76 runs off just 22 balls by the end of the sixth over.
His innings included eight fours and seven sixes, giving him a staggering strike rate of 345.45.
Sanju Samson provided equally valuable support at the other end. The wicketkeeper-batter was unbeaten on 24 off 14 balls, with three sixes to his name.
Together, Abhishek and Samson brought up their century partnership from just 36 deliveries, leaving the Afghanistan bowlers struggling for answers.
The performance was particularly significant considering India had already produced an explosive powerplay against Afghanistan in the second T20I. During that match, Samson and Abhishek added 82 runs without losing a wicket in the first six overs.
However, the duo went to another level in the series finale.
India smash 100 in first six Overs
India’s 100/0 after six overs also marked a remarkable improvement on their previous best powerplay effort. The earlier record of 95/1 against England had stood as India’s highest powerplay total in men’s T20Is.
Abhishek’s explosive strokeplay was the highlight, while Samson ensured the scoring rate remained relentless from the opposite end.
With 100 runs already on the board without losing a wicket, India entered the remainder of their innings with a massive platform and Afghanistan facing an uphill battle.
The record-breaking powerplay also underlined India’s aggressive approach in T20 cricket, with the team once again demonstrating its ability to put opposition attacks under pressure from the very beginning.
For Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, the opening stand became one of the most destructive powerplay partnerships in India’s T20I history.
