India vs Afghanistan 3rd T20I 2026 Live: Abhishek Sharma Explodes for 16-Ball Fifty as Hosts Dominate Powerplay
India have raced to a commanding 100/0 after six overs in the third T20 International against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, with opener Abhishek Sharma producing one of the most destructive powerplay displays in T20I history.
Abhishek Sharma Rewrites Record Books in Powerplay Onslaught
The left-handed opener reached his half-century in just 16 balls, striking at an astonishing 345.45. His innings has featured 8 fours and 7 sixes, with boundaries coming all around the ground. Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran introduced veteran off-spinner Mohammad Nabi early to counter the left-hander, but the move backfired spectacularly as Nabi conceded 29 runs from his over.
Toss and Team News: Afghanistan Bowl First
Afghanistan won the toss and elected to field first at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The visitors are looking to avoid a clean sweep after India secured the series with comprehensive seven-wicket victories in the first two matches, both held at the same venue.
India Playing XI
- Sanju Samson (wk)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Ishan Kishan
- Shreyas Iyer (c)
- Tilak Varma
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Yash Thakur
- Jasprit Bumrah
Afghanistan Playing XI
- Ibrahim Zadran (c)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Sediqullah Atal
- Abdullah Ahmadzai
- Darwish Rasooli
- Noor ul Rahman
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
Series Context and Selection Talking Points
India have already clinched the three-match series 2-0. The final T20I provides an opportunity for squad rotation ahead of the Asian Games. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is in line for a potential home debut, while Sanju Samson cemented his place with a match-winning 22-ball 57 in the second T20I after a quiet start to the series.
Varun Chakravarthy remains sidelined with the side strain sustained in the opening match, prompting the inclusion of Ravi Bishnoi in the previous game. The bowling attack continues to be reshuffled to manage workloads and provide game time to fringe players.
Match Officials and Broadcast Details
On-field umpires: Ahmad Shah Durrani and Ahmad Shah Pakhteen
Third umpire: Izatullah Safi
Reserve umpire: Mahmood Kharoti
Match referee: Dean Cosker
Live telecast: FanCode Premium, Sony Sports Network (India), Ariana TV, My e& App (Afghanistan), Cricbuzz (UAE), and JioHotstar (UK).
Win Probability and Match Momentum
Current win probability heavily favors the hosts:
- India: 70%
- Afghanistan: 30%
Series Schedule and Results
| Match | Date | Time (IST) | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | Sep 13, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi | India won by 7 wickets |
| 2nd T20I | Sep 15, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi | India won by 7 wickets |
| 3rd T20I | Sep 17, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi | In progress |
Follow ball-by-ball updates and key text commentary as the match continues at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
