Shreyas Iyer hails 'flawless' Abhishek Sharma as India beat Afghanistan 3-0

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India captain Shreyas Iyer praised Abhishek Sharma’s record-breaking century after the opener’s performance guided India to a 127-run victory over Afghanistan in the third T20I, securing a 3-0 series sweep at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

“The way Abhishek played today was flawless, and it was just pleasing to the eyes,” Iyer said during the post-match presentation.

Abhishek produced a historic innings of 108 in 34 balls, completing a record 31-ball century to push India to 221/7. The left-hander earned both Player of the Match and Player of the Series honours. 

India got Afghanistan out for 94 in 14.1 overs, with Ravi Bishnoi and Nitish Kumar Reddy taking three wickets apiece. The 127-run defeat marked Afghanistan’s heaviest loss in T20Is and their lowest total against India in the format.

Abhishek’s century featured nine fours and 11 sixes, reaching his half-century in 16 balls before breaking Rohit Sharma’s previous Indian record of a 35-ball T20I century set in 2017.

Abhishek Sharma reflects on team strategy

Reflecting on his approach, Abhishek Sharma emphasised that team backing and clear preparation drive his performance.

“We’ve been doing this for the last two years. One or two bad series won’t define us as a batting department. We wanted to dominate throughout the whole year before the World Cup no matter who the opposition is,” he said.

“I feel as a batter, sometimes you have ups and downs. The most important thing is, as a team, we have to be together and support each other. That’s how these innings happen. I feel it’s all dependent on my process before every series. It’s very particular for me, against who I play and their bowlers. How I’m going to utilise the powerplay. Who’s going to bowl the powerplay, the 7th over, the 8th over,” said Abhishek.

“And the way I play, it’s very important for the captain and the coach to be on your side. You have to get surety. I feel this is because of them as well. I feel I don’t want to restrict any area. It’s just watch the ball and play according to it. It’s very simple from day one. I just want to express myself. Just see the ball and hit the ball,” he concluded.

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