5 Fastest Centuries in the T20 World Cup

The ninth edition of the T20 World Cup is all set to kick off on June 2, 2024, and fans across the globe are eagerly waiting for the exhilarating action. Ever since its inception in 2007, the premier 20-over tournament has never failed to fascinate the crowd and the main credit goes to the batters who show ruthless hitting to pile up huge runs in quick time.

There may be many players who have scored centuries in the T20 World Cup, but scoring triple-digit scores at top speed is not everyone’s cup of tea. This format demands big scores + astounding strike rates. If the two come together, the higher the teams’ chances of winning the game. With that being said, let’s take a look at the five fastest centuries in T20 World Cup history.

Here are the five fastest centuries in T20 World Cup history

5. 58 balls – Ahmed Shehzad vs Bangladesh, 2014

Ahmed Shehzad’s scintillating hundred helped Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 50 runs in Match 27 of the 2014 World Cup at Mirpur. Electing to bat first, the Men in Green posted 190/5 in 20 overs on the back of Shehzad’s unbeaten 111 off 62 balls. The opening batter dazzled the crowd with a 58-ball ton, five maximums, and 10 fours.

Notably, it was his first T20 international century and it came at the most important time. Bangladesh managed only 140-7 in reply and suffered their third successive defeat in group two of the Super-10s.

4. 52 balls – Rilee Rossouw vs Bangladesh, 2022

Rilee Rossouw smashed a blistering ton against Bangladesh in the 22nd match of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Sydney. The hard-hitting Proteas batter breached the 100-run mark in just 52 balls and ended up scoring 109 off 56 balls, a knock that was packed with seven fours and eight maximums.

His heroism helped South Africa post a mammoth 205/5 in 20 overs after electing to bat first. In reply, the Bangladesh batters could not resist as they were bowled out for just 101 runs, helping the opposition to a massive 104-run win.

3. 51 balls – Brendon McCullum vs Bangladesh, 2012

New Zealand legend Bendon McCullum smashed his second T20I hundred against Bangladesh in the 5th match of the 2012 World Cup. The power hitter, who completed 100 off just 51 balls, continued at the crease for seven more balls to finish with a score of 123 runs.

His entertaining knock consisted of 11 fours and seven sixes, which certainly helped the Black Caps register 191/3 on the board. The Tigers could post only 132/8 in 20 overs in reply, resulting in their 59-run loss. 

2. 50 balls – Chris Gayle vs South Africa, 2007

Any idea who was the first centurion in the T20I format? It is none other than T20 legend Chris Gayle. The swashbuckling West Indies cricketer notched up this historic feat in the first-ever World Cup match in 2007 against South Africa.  Invited to bat first, Gayle provided a blistering start to the Caribbean side by crossing the 50-run mark in the powerplay itself.

The southpaw completed his century in just 50 balls and ended up with a score of 117 to give the Windies a massive score of 205/6. However, the big man’s breathtaking knock went in vain as South Africa won by eight wickets with 14 balls remaining.

1. 47 balls – Chris Gayle vs England, 2016

A collective team effort helped England post 182/6 in the 15th match of the 2016 WC against West Indies. But it took a solitary effort from Chris Gayle to overcome the margin in 18.1 overs. Chasing a competitive total, the Windies suffered an early setback in the form of Johnson Charles’ dismissal for a duck.

However, thereafter it was Gayle’s scintillating show as the Caribbean legend continued to pile on the runs by stitching crucial partnerships with the middle-order batters. The southpaw slammed a 47-ball 100 and helped his side win by six wickets.

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