Fastest Century in T20 Cricket: Unleashing the Power of Explosive Batting

T20 cricket is the shortest and most electrifying format of the game, and nothing excites fans more than a blistering century. A batsman scoring a century in T20 is rare, but achieving it at lightning speed is an extraordinary feat. In this article, we explore the fastest centuries ever recorded in T20 cricket across all levels — from international matches to franchise leagues and domestic games.

The Fastest Century in T20 Internationals

The record for the fastest century in T20 Internationals (T20Is) is jointly held by three players — David Miller from South Africa, Rohit Sharma from India, and Sudesh Wickramasekara from the Czech Republic. All three batters reached the 100-run mark in just 35 balls. David Miller achieved this incredible milestone against Bangladesh in 2017, unleashing a devastating onslaught that left the opposition in shock. Later the same year, Rohit Sharma equaled the record with a masterclass against Sri Lanka, showcasing his flair and timing. In 2019, Sudesh Wickramasekara, representing an associate nation, stunned Turkey with his explosive innings, making it a rare triple tie for the fastest T20I century.

Chris Gayle – King of the Fastest T20 Century Overall

When it comes to all T20 formats combined, the crown for the fastest century belongs to the Universe Boss — Chris Gayle. In the 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL), playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against Pune Warriors India, Gayle hammered a century in just 30 balls. This historic knock took place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore and remains etched in cricket history. Gayle finished the innings with a jaw-dropping score of 175* off 66 balls, which still stands as the highest individual score in T20 cricket. His innings was filled with monstrous sixes, brutal hitting, and sheer dominance.

Other Blazing Fast Hundreds in T20 History

While Gayle’s 30-ball century is unmatched, several others have come close. Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant smashed a 32-ball hundred during the 2018 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy while playing for Delhi against Himachal Pradesh. His innings showed the new generation’s fearless approach to batting. Another remarkable century came from Wihan Lubbe of South Africa, who reached the milestone in just 33 balls in a domestic T20 game. Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds was also among the early record-setters, scoring a 34-ball hundred in England’s domestic T20 competition back in 2004, long before the format gained global popularity.

Players like Harry Brook, Suryakumar Yadav, and Adam Hose have also entered the elite list with their quickfire centuries, all showcasing the global evolution of power-hitting in T20 leagues like the IPL, BBL, and The Hundred. These performances underline how modern-day cricketers are constantly redefining limits and bringing fans to the edge of their seats.

Why Fast Centuries Are So Impactful

A century in any format of cricket is commendable, but scoring it in T20 — and doing so quickly — is game-changing. Fast centuries not only demoralize the bowling attack but also shift momentum dramatically in favor of the batting side. Such innings often help teams post massive totals or chase down targets with ease. From a viewer’s perspective, these innings bring unmatched entertainment, filling stadiums and boosting TRPs. In franchise cricket, fast centuries can increase a player’s value significantly, making them hot picks during auctions.

What Makes a Fast T20 Hundred Possible?

Scoring a lightning-fast century in T20 cricket requires a mix of natural talent, technique, and favorable match conditions. Batters with strong power-hitting skills and the ability to find gaps early on are more likely to reach the milestone quickly. Flat pitches, shorter boundaries, and less experienced bowling attacks also contribute to faster scoring rates. Many of the fastest hundreds have come in franchise or associate-level cricket, where the conditions often favor batters. Intent from the first ball, confidence, and quick reflexes also play a crucial role in achieving such rare feats.

Chris Gayle’s 175* – A Knock for the Ages

No article on fast T20 centuries is complete without revisiting Chris Gayle’s iconic 175*. This was more than just a fast century — it was a display of pure cricketing destruction. In a span of 30 balls, he reached his hundred, and then continued to dominate until the final over, finishing with 17 sixes and 13 fours. The innings helped RCB post 263/5, which was then the highest team total in T20 cricket. It’s a record that has stood tall for over a decade and may take years to be broken.

Conclusion

T20 cricket continues to evolve with every season, and the race for the fastest century is one of the most thrilling aspects of the game. From Chris Gayle’s historic 30-ball masterclass to Rohit Sharma’s international brilliance, these rapid centuries define the excitement and unpredictability of T20 cricket. As new players rise and the game becomes even more aggressive, fans around the world can look forward to witnessing more explosive innings that push the boundaries of what's possible in 20 overs.