India thrash Afghanistan by 127 runs, sweep T20I series 3-0

NEW DELHI: India completed a 3-0 sweep of the T20I series against Afghanistan with a massive 127-run victory in the third and final match on Thursday. Chasing a target of 222, Afghanistan were bowled out for just 94 as the Indian bowlers struck at regular intervals. After making a promising start, the Afghan batting line-up collapsed under sustained pressure from India.

Spinner Axar Patel struck twice early to put Afghanistan on the back foot. Jasprit Bumrah and Yash Thakur then picked up a wicket each, before Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravi Bishnoi completed the damage. Reddy took three wickets, while Bishnoi also claimed three as Afghanistan's innings folded for 94.

Batting first, India posted a massive 221 for seven in their 20 overs. Opener Abhishek Sharma's incredible batting performance, which included a century off just 30 balls, gave India the momentum. It was the fastest century by an Indian player in T20 cricket. Abhishek was eventually dismissed after scoring 108 runs.

Malayali star Sanju Samson also continued his fine form. Sanju, who scored a brilliant half-century, and Abhishek put together a 142-run opening partnership. India crossed 100 runs inside the powerplay itself, setting the record for India's highest powerplay score in T20 history.

Although India made a flying start, the team lost wickets at regular intervals later and could score only 37 runs in the final five overs. However, a collective effort from the bowlers helped India secure a comfortable victory over Afghanistan and complete a 3-0 series sweep.