[REVISION HISTORY]

India sweeps T20I series against Afghanistan

Updated 46 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-18 21:28 UTC → 2026-09-19 04:21 UTC · added ~~removed~~

India completed a 3-0 T20I series sweep against Afghanistan in the ‘Friendship Cup’, concluding with a 127-run victory in the final match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Opener Abhishek Sharma set a new record for the fastest T20I century by a player from an ICC Full Member nation, scoring 108 runs off just 34 balls. ~~His performance, which included a 30-ball century, surpassed previous records held by Rohit Sharma and AB de Villiers and helped propel India to a total of 221 for seven.~~ During the match, Sanju Samson became only the fifth Indian and 34th player globally to reach 9,000 career T20 runs. ~~In response,~~ Afghanistan was bowled out for ~~94 in 14.1 overs,~~ 94, marking their heaviest T20I defeat. Ravi Bishnoi and Nitish Kumar Reddy each claimed three wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah became the first bowler to take at least 50 wickets in all three international formats on home soil. Indian captain Shreyas Iyer was noted for his sportsmanship, inviting Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran to join the team during the trophy celebration. Afghanistan head coach Richard Pybus noted that his team has ‘significant work to do’ following the series loss. Following the series, head coach Gautam Gambhir identified Nitish Kumar Reddy as a key seam-bowling all-rounder for future ~~campaigns, including the 2027 ODI World Cup and tours of South Africa.~~ campaigns. To facilitate this development, Reddy ~~has been~~ was withdrawn from the T20 format to focus on gaining game time during the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies. ~~Gambhir also addressed~~ Regarding the return of Hardik Pandya, ~~noting that~~ Gambhir has confirmed the ~~player requires more match practice to regain~~ team will not rush him back into international cricket until he regains full ~~fitness, specifically stating that~~ match fitness. Pandya ~~is currently unable~~ has been sidelined since the conclusion of IPL 2026 due to ~~bowl~~ back spasms and a subsequent leg strain. Currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, he is not yet capable of bowling his full 10-over ~~quota.~~ quota in ODIs. As a potential pathway for his return, Pandya has been named in the India A squad for a three-match ODI series against Australia A in Puducherry, scheduled for October 6 to 11, subject to fitness clearance. If he performs well, he may be considered for the white-ball series in New Zealand starting October 22. Gambhir noted that the team could eventually play both Pandya and Reddy in the same starting eleven once Pandya is fully recovered.

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