T20 cricket has taken the world by storm with its explosive action and electrifying performances. One of the most enthralling moments in this format of the game is witnessing a batsman reach the coveted century mark in record time. It’s a testament to their skill, power, and sheer determination. Let’s dive into the record books and explore some of the fastest centuries in T20 cricket history.
1. DA Miller – 35 balls
- Match: South Africa vs. Bangladesh
- Venue: Potchefstroom
- Date: 29/10/2017
David Andrew Miller, known for his breathtaking hitting ability, etched his name in T20 history with an astonishing century in just 35 balls. His explosive innings against Bangladesh featured a flurry of boundaries and sixes, leaving the opposition in tatters. Miller’s performance showcased the true essence of power hitting in T20 cricket.
2. RG Sharma – 35 balls
- Match: India vs. Sri Lanka
- Venue: Indore
- Date: 22/12/2017
Rohit Gurunath Sharma, the ‘Hitman’ of Indian cricket, matched Miller’s record with a breathtaking century against Sri Lanka. Sharma’s ability to find gaps and clear boundaries made his innings a masterclass in T20 batting. The crowd was treated to an exhibition of elegant strokeplay and raw power.
3. S Wickramasekara – 35 balls
- Match: Czech Republic vs. Turkey
- Venue: Ilfov County
- Date: 30/08/2019
Sanjaya Wickramasekara of the Czech Republic joined the elite club of 35-ball centurions in T20 cricket. His incredible feat against Turkey showcased the global nature of the sport and how talent knows no boundaries. It was a day when Wickramasekara’s bat did all the talking.
4. S Periyalwar – 39 balls
- Match: Romania vs. Turkey
- Venue: Ilfov County
- Date: 29/08/2019
Suresh Periyalwar of Romania continued the trend of lightning-fast centuries, taking just 39 balls to reach the milestone against Turkey. His innings was a testament to the growing popularity of cricket in lesser-known regions. Periyalwar’s memorable knock was celebrated by cricket fans worldwide.
5. Zeeshan Kukikhel – 39 balls
- Match: Hungary vs. Austria
- Venue: Lower Austria
- Date: 05/06/2022
Zeeshan Kukikhel of Hungary blazed his way to a century in 39 balls against Austria, showcasing the growing popularity of T20 cricket in emerging nations. His innings was a spectacular display of power hitting, inspiring the next generation of cricketers in Hungary.
6. Johnson Charles – 39 balls
- Match: West Indies vs. South Africa
- Venue: Centurion
- Date: 26/03/2023
Johnson Charles of the West Indies displayed his explosive batting prowess with a century in just 39 balls against South Africa. His innings was filled with breathtaking shots, and it highlighted the fact that no target is safe when Charles is at the crease. West Indies fans rejoiced as they witnessed their star in full flow.
7. K Kadowaki-Fleming – 40 balls
- Match: Japan vs. South Korea
- Venue: Sano
- Date: 15/10/2022
Kazumasa Kadowaki-Fleming of Japan delighted fans with a remarkable century in 40 balls against South Korea. This innings demonstrated the sport’s growth in new frontiers and how cricket is finding its place in diverse cultures. Kadowaki-Fleming’s performance was a testament to his dedication to the game.
8. Ollie Hairs – 40 balls
- Match: Scotland vs. Italy
- Venue: Edinburgh
- Date: 24/07/2023
Ollie Hairs of Scotland joined the ranks of quickfire centurions, achieving the milestone in just 40 balls against Italy. His innings was a spectacle of controlled aggression, showcasing that T20 cricket is all about finding the right balance between power and technique.
9. HG Munsey – 41 balls
- Match: Scotland vs. Netherlands
- Venue: Dublin (Malahide)
- Date: 16/09/2019
Hamza Tahir Gurusai Munsey of Scotland showcased his batting prowess with a century in 41 balls against the Netherlands. It was an innings filled with innovative strokes and calculated risks, proving that T20 cricket knows no boundaries. Munsey’s name will forever be associated with Scotland’s cricketing history.
10. Shaheryar Butt – 41 balls
- Match: Belgium vs. Czech Republic
- Venue: Walferdange
- Date: 29/08/2020
Shaheryar Butt of Belgium rounded off our list with a superb century in 41 balls against the Czech Republic. His innings was a testament to his dedication and passion for the game. It served as a reminder that cricket is thriving in various corners of the world.
Conclusion
These remarkable innings not only left an indelible mark on T20 cricket history but also exemplified the thrilling and unpredictable nature of the format. As fans continue to witness breathtaking centuries in record time, one thing remains certain: T20 cricket is here to stay, and the race to the fastest century is far from over. It’s a race against time that keeps fans on the edge of their seats, waiting for the next batting masterclass.
