Historic T20 match between India and Afghanistan concluded after a double super over

Sachin Tendulkar, often called the god of cricket, set numerous significant records throughout his career. However, the story of his first century in the One Day International format is no less interesting. The player, who later amassed 49 centuries in ODIs, had to wait about five years and 78 matches before reaching his first hundred.

This day was September 9, 1994. On this day, 32 years ago, India and Australia faced each other in Colombo, Sri Lanka, as part of the Singer World Series. In this match, Sachin scored 110 runs off 130 balls against Australia.

His innings included 8 fours and 2 sixes. This marked his first ODI century. Sachin started his match partnering with Manoj Prabhakar, and later formed a partnership with Navjot Singh Sidhu and Mohammed Azharuddin. Thanks to Sachin's brilliant performance and quick 43 runs from Vinod Kambli, India scored 246 runs, defeating Australia by 8 wickets. The Australian team lost the match by 31 runs, despite Mark Waugh scoring 61 runs.

Before his first ODI century, Sachin had scored 2126 runs in 78 matches, with an average of 32.70 and 17 half-centuries. After achieving his first century, Sachin scored 16,300 runs and added another 48 centuries. His average also increased to 47.10. This is why the 110-run innings against Australia in Colombo is considered a turning point in his career.

Sachin Tendulkar made his international debut on November 15, 1989, in Karachi against Pakistan at the age of 16 years and 205 days. In his first Test match, Sachin scored 15 runs off 24 balls, making two half-centuries in that tour. His first Test century was achieved in 1990 in the ninth match against England at Old Trafford in Manchester, where he played an innings of 119 runs off 189 balls.

Throughout his impressive 24-year career, Sachin Tendulkar played 664 matches, accumulating 34,357 international runs.

Test Cricket:

Matches: 200

Innings: 329

Runs: 15,921

Average: 53.78

Centuries: 51

Half-centuries: 68

Highest Score: 248*

ODI Cricket:

Matches: 463

Innings: 452

Runs: 18,426

Average: 44.83

Centuries: 49

Half-centuries: 96

Highest Score: 200*

T20I:

Matches: 1

Runs: 10

Average: 10.00

Highest Score: 10

Good news for the Indian team has emerged before the upcoming three-match T20 series between India and Afghanistan: all-rounder Washington Sundar has been declared fit to play. Meanwhile, the health status of star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah remains uncertain.

Washington Sundar will be able to participate in the three-match T20 series against Afghanistan. His return after injury is a positive development for India.

As for Jasprit Bumrah, he still needs to undergo a match simulation (training session). According to available information, he might complete this check on September 9th. Following this, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will make a final decision regarding his physical condition and participation in the series against Afghanistan.

The wait for updates also concerns Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy. These three players are included in the squad for the series against Afghanistan, but a final decision on their readiness has not yet been made.

Additionally, Hardik Pandya is part of the squad but currently cannot play cricket due to a leg muscle strain sustained earlier this year during the IPL.

The three-match T20 series between India and Afghanistan starts on September 13th. The subsequent matches are scheduled for September 15th and 17th. Before the start of the series, the Indian team's focus is on Bumrah's health report.

The Indian squad for the series against Afghanistan includes Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan, Tilak Verma (vice-captain), Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy*, Akshar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah*, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana*. Asterisks (*) indicate players whose participation depends on their health status.

India vs Afghanistan Series Schedule:

• First T20 — September 13, 2026, Arun Jaitley Stadium (New Delhi)
• Second T20 — September 15, 2026, Arun Jaitley Stadium (New Delhi)
• Third T20 — September 17, 2026, Arun Jaitley Stadium (New Delhi)

Ahead of the T20 series against Afghanistan, opening batsman Abhishek Sharma demonstrated powerful play. In the first match of the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League, held on Sunday, August 30, Abhishek played for Amritsar Surmaaj and scored 77 runs off just 26 balls.

This match took place at the PCA IS Bindra stadium in Mohali. During his innings, Abhishek hit at a strike rate of 296.15, including 6 fours and 7 sixes. Thanks to this explosive performance, Amritsar Surmaaj managed to score 258 runs in 19.5 overs. However, the Amritsar Surmaaj team failed to defend the target of 259 runs, and Mohali Kings won by five wickets.

Abhishek Sharma adopted an aggressive approach from the start of the game. He reached a half-century in just 17 balls. His opening partners also performed well: Sahaj Dhawan scored 45 runs off 18 balls, and Naman Dir played quickly, scoring 47 runs off 22 balls, including one four and five sixes.

The situation changed due to Anmolpreet Singh. Although Amritsar Surmaaj had an advantage, the Mohali Kings batsmen reduced the target. Anmolpreet Singh delivered an explosive innings, scoring 133 runs off 51 balls, using 10 fours and 12 sixes. Captain Ramandeep Singh also provided excellent support, remaining unbeaten and scoring 69 runs off 40 balls. Together they added 151 runs off 70 balls for the fourth wicket. As a result, Mohali won the match, scoring 259 runs in 19.3 overs.

Abhishek Sharma also tried his hand as a bowler. He bowled the first over in pursuit of the score and dismissed Manpreet Johal on the fourth ball. Nevertheless, after this, his deliveries started yielding many runs. In 2.3 overs, he took one wicket while conceding 37 runs.

Abhishek Sharma's performance comes as India is set to play a three-match T20 series against Afghanistan in Delhi starting September 13. Thus, his domestic cricket performance is a strong signal for selection committees.

Now, the attention of fans will be focused on the match scheduled for September 1, where Amritsar Surmaaj will face Jalandhar Warriors. Jalandhar will be led by Prabsimar Singh. Additionally, Shubman Gill also plays for Phadhilka Falcons in the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League. His team will begin its tournament on August 31 against Jalandhar Warriors.