Abhishek Sharma smashes 20 runs off Fazalhaq Farooqi, becomes fastest Asian to 6,000 T20 runs

India opened their three-match Twenty20 international series against Afghanistan with a brisk start at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, as Abhishek Sharma provided a flying start during the powerplay. The left-hander batted with intent, accelerating India's scoring rate in the early overs and eventually taking the stand into a strong position. In the day's highlight, Sharma struck 20 runs in a single over off Afghanistan pace bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi, a rare boundary-heavy burst that boosted India's total and shifted momentum early in the innings. This performance helped Sharma secure a landmark milestone, becoming the fastest Asian batsman to reach 6,000 runs in Twenty20 cricket. The series opener sets the stage for the remaining two matches, with India aiming to build on home conditions and Afghanistan seeking parity in the limited-overs format. Both teams fielded competitive sides under clear skies, with the venue, the bustling national capital, drawing a sizeable crowd. The achievement adds to Sharma's growing reputation in T20 leagues and international cricket, underscoring his ability to convert starts into impactful innings. As the series progresses, India will look to capitalize on early breakthroughs while Afghanistan hopes to rebound in the middle and death overs.