Lucknow, 17 June (HS): Indian batter Ishan Kishan produced a sensational innings during the second One-Day International against Afghanistan at the Ekana Stadium on Wednesday, scoring a brilliant century off just 71 deliveries to register a new record.

Ishan began his innings cautiously, reaching his half-century in 52 balls. However, he shifted gears dramatically thereafter, scoring his next 53 runs in just 19 deliveries. Upon completing his century, he removed his helmet to acknowledge the applause from the crowd, while captain Shubman Gill embraced him on the field in celebration.

Ishan Registers Fastest Century in Lucknow, Gill Second

The milestone came in memorable fashion as Ishan cut a delivery from Afghanistan pacer Bilal Sami to the boundary, bringing up his hundred with a four.

The century was significant on multiple fronts. Ishan Kishan is now the second-fastest batter to score a One-Day International century against Afghanistan. He also became the fastest player to register an ODI century at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. In the same match, Shubman Gill reached his century in 77 balls, becoming the second-fastest batter to score an ODI hundred at the venue.

At the time of filing this report, India had reached 294 for 2 in 35 overs. Shubman Gill was unbeaten on 122, while Ishan Kishan was also batting on 122.

Fastest ODI Centuries Against Afghanistan (by balls faced):

57 balls – Eoin Morgan (Manchester, 2019)

71 balls – Ishan Kishan (Lucknow, 2026)

76 balls – Glenn Maxwell (Mumbai, 2023 World Series)

77 balls – Shubman Gill (Lucknow, 2026)

The outstanding partnership between Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan in Lucknow placed India in a commanding position in the second ODI against Afghanistan.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar