The T20 World Cup has witnessed some electrifying performances, with power hitters constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The fastest centuries in T20 World Cup history showcase the thrilling, unpredictable nature of the shortest format, featuring stunning blows that leave opponents scrambling and record-breaking innings that etch players’ names in cricket lore. Let’s dive into the fastest and most unforgettable centuries in the tournament’s history.
Since the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, there have been eleven centuries scored across eight editions, up to 2024. Chris Gayle, famously known as the Universal Boss, is the only player to have scored two centuries in T20 World Cup history. Notably, he holds the record for both the fastest and second-fastest centuries in the tournament.
Fastest Centuries in T20 World Cup
Chris Gayle leads the charge with the fastest T20 World Cup century, achieving the milestone in just 47 balls. He also holds the second-fastest record, reaching 100 runs in 50 balls. Brendon McCullum follows closely, with a century scored off 51 balls in 2012.
| Player | Balls | Runs | 4s | 6s | Against | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Gayle (WI) | 47 | 100* | 5 | 11 | England | 2016 |
| Chris Gayle (WI) | 50 | 117 | 7 | 10 | South Africa | 2007 |
| Brendon McCullum (NZ) | 51 | 123 | 11 | 7 | Bangladesh | 2012 |
| Rilee Rossouw (SA) | 52 | 109 | 7 | 8 | Bangladesh | 2022 |
| Ahmed Shehzad (PAK) | 58 | 111* | 10 | 5 | Bangladesh | 2014 |
| Suresh Raina (IND) | 59 | 101 | 9 | 5 | South Africa | 2010 |
| Alex Hales (ENG) | 60 | 116* | 11 | 6 | Sri Lanka | 2014 |
| Tamim Iqbal (BAN) | 60 | 103* | 10 | 5 | Oman | 2016 |
| Glenn Phillips (NZ) | 61 | 104 | 10 | 4 | Sri Lanka | 2022 |
| Mahela Jayawardene (SL) | 63 | 100 | 10 | 4 | Zimbabwe |
From Chris Gayle’s fireworks against England and South Africa to Brendon McCullum’s unforgettable knock against Bangladesh, these centuries have lit up the T20 World Cup, making it an event cricket fans eagerly await. Each of these performances is a testament to the sheer skill and power required to dominate the shortest format of the game.
