Abhishek Sharma produced a stunning batting performance against Afghanistan in the first T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Sunday. His 82 off 32 balls helped India chase down 157 in just 13.4 overs and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.But Abhishek’s assault also produced a remarkable record against Rashid Khan.A total of 113 batters have faced at least 30 balls from Rashid in T20 cricket in matches where ball-by-ball data is available. Abhishek’s strike rate of 234.88 against Rashid, with 101 runs from 43 balls, is the highest among all 113 batters.
Abhishek, Ishan dominate Afghanistan
Abhishek smashed seven fours and seven sixes during his 32-ball 82. He attacked the Afghanistan bowlers from the start and put India firmly in control of the chase.He found an excellent partner in Ishan Kishan, who scored 42 off 33 balls. The pair added 121 runs for the second wicket after Sanju Samson was dismissed for 10.Abhishek and Ishan also put together the highest-ever 100-plus partnership against Afghanistan in T20Is in terms of scoring rate.Their 121 runs came from just 53 balls at a rate of 13.70 runs per over. The previous best was a scoring rate of 12.25 runs per over, when Rohit Sharma and Rinku Singh scored 190* off 93 balls in Bengaluru in 2024.
India chase down 157 with ease
India reached 82/1 in the powerplay, with Abhishek and Ishan taking the attack to the Afghanistan bowlers.Ishan and Abhishek were dismissed later in the innings, but their explosive partnership had already put India in a dominant position.Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on 8, while Tilak Varma finished unbeaten on 3 as India completed the chase in 13.4 overs.
India take 1-0 lead
India won the match by seven wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.The two teams will meet again on Tuesday at the same venue, with Afghanistan looking to level the series and India aiming to take an unassailable lead.
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