Delhi Demolition: Sharma's Record Innings
With the series already secured, India came out to bat with pure freedom, and no one embodied that more than Abhishek Sharma. The left-handed opener launched an assault from the very first over at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, treating the Afghan bowlers
with disdain. He was particularly brutal in the powerplay, racing to 76 runs off just 22 balls, setting a new world record for the highest individual score in the first six overs of a men's T20I. Sharma's century, brought up in a mere 30 deliveries, is not just a personal milestone; it's a statement. It is the fastest hundred ever scored by a player from a Test-playing nation in the history of T20 internationals, shattering previous records and setting a new benchmark for Indian cricket. His innings, a whirlwind of powerful shots and audacious strokeplay, left fans and experts alike in awe of his talent.
1. Sahil Chauhan (Estonia) – 27 balls
Topping the list of lightning-fast centuries is Estonia's Sahil Chauhan, who achieved the feat in a mind-boggling 27 balls. His record-breaking innings came against Cyprus in June 2024. Chasing a target of 192, Chauhan walked in with his team in trouble but turned the game on its head with an astonishing display of power-hitting. He finished with an unbeaten 144 from just 41 balls, an innings that included a staggering 18 sixes. Chauhan’s knock remains the gold standard for speed in T20I cricket, a truly once-in-a-generation performance that put Estonian cricket on the world map.
2. Muhammad Fahad (Turkey) – 29 balls
Just behind Chauhan is Muhammad Fahad of Turkey, who produced his own slice of history in July 2025. Playing against Bulgaria, the Turkish batsman reached his century in just 29 balls, becoming only the second player at the time to cross the milestone in under 30 deliveries. Fahad’s innings was a masterclass in aggressive batting from the outset, helping Turkey secure a memorable victory. While not as widely publicized as some other knocks on this list, his performance remains one of the most explosive displays the format has ever seen.
3. Abhishek Sharma (India) – 30 balls
Slotting in at number three is India's new hero, Abhishek Sharma. His 30-ball onslaught against Afghanistan in Delhi not only makes him the fastest centurion from a full-member ICC nation but also places him in elite global company. The innings broke the long-standing Indian record of 35 balls held by Rohit Sharma, highlighting a generational shift in India's T20 approach. For Abhishek, who has been in scintillating form over the past few years, this knock cements his reputation as one of the most destructive openers in world cricket today.
4. Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton (Namibia) – 33 balls
In February 2024, Namibian all-rounder Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton briefly held the world record for the fastest T20I hundred when he blasted a 33-ball ton against Nepal. His innings was a stunning exhibition of power, helping Namibia post a formidable total. What made the knock even more remarkable was that it came from a player batting in the middle order, showcasing his ability to accelerate against both spin and pace. Loftie-Eaton’s century was a pivotal moment for Namibian cricket, demonstrating their growing strength on the international stage.
5. Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe) – 33 balls
Sharing the 33-ball distinction is Zimbabwe's talismanic captain, Sikandar Raza. He achieved this feat against Gambia in October 2024, leading from the front with a knock that overwhelmed the opposition. Raza, known for his all-round capabilities, showed his batting prowess by dismantling the bowling attack. His century was part of a historic match where Zimbabwe posted a mammoth total of 344 for 4. New Zealand's Finn Allen also has a 33-ball hundred, showing just how competitive this echelon of power-hitting has become.
