Abhishek Sharma has made headlines in the cricketing world by equaling the record for the fastest T20 century by an Indian batter, scoring a remarkable 100 runs off just 28 balls during a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match against Meghalaya on December 5, 2024.
This explosive performance took place at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, where Sharma’s aggressive batting led Punjab to chase down a target of 143 runs in a mere 9.3 overs.
Record-Breaking Innings
In his blistering innings, Abhishek sharma hit an astonishing 11 sixes and 8 fours, resulting in a staggering strike rate of 365.52. His total of 106 runs came off just 29 deliveries, showcasing his ability to dominate bowlers and change the course of a match rapidly.
This innings marked a significant turnaround for Sharma, who had previously scored only 149 runs across six innings in the tournament, with just one half-century to his name.
Context of the Achievement
Abhishek’s century ties him with Gujarat’s Urvil Patel, who also scored a century in 28 balls earlier in the same tournament against Tripura on November 27, 2024.
Before this year, the record for the fastest T20 century by an Indian was held by Rishabh Pant, who achieved the feat in 32 balls against Himachal Pradesh in 2018.
The overall fastest T20 century is still held by Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan, who scored a century in 27 balls against Cyprus earlier this year.
Impact on Punjab’s Performance
Thanks to Abhishek’s explosive innings, Punjab comfortably chased down Meghalaya’s total of 142 runs, winning the match by seven wickets.
His performance not only secured victory for his team but also highlighted his potential as a key player in T20 formats.
Additional Records
In addition to equaling the fastest century record, Abhishek Sharma also broke Suryakumar Yadav’s record for the most sixes hit by an Indian in a calendar year.
With this innings, he raised his tally to 86 sixes in just 38 innings, surpassing Yadav’s previous record of 85 sixes in 41 innings set in 2022.
Future Prospects
Abhishek Sharma is expected to continue making waves in T20 cricket, especially with his recent performances in both domestic tournaments and the IPL.
He has established himself as a formidable opener for Sunrisers Hyderabad and has been retained for ₹14 crore ahead of IPL 2025. His aggressive batting style and versatility as a left-arm spinner make him a valuable asset for any team.
This record-breaking performance not only enhances Abhishek’s reputation but also sets high expectations for his future contributions to Indian cricket.
