Fastest Century in T20 Cricket: A Record-Breaking Feat
T20 cricket is the most explosive format of the game, packed with thrilling moments, big sixes, and lightning-fast scoring. Among all milestones in T20s, scoring a century — and doing it in the fewest balls — is a rare and spectacular achievement. The record for the fastest century in T20 cricket is one of the most talked-about milestones in the sport, showing a player's ability to dominate the opposition in a short span of time. Over the years, several players have come close to this feat, but only a few have managed to etch their names into the record books.
Chris Gayle – The King of T20 Records
When discussing the fastest T20 century, Chris Gayle’s name always stands tall. The West Indian legend smashed the fastest T20 hundred in professional cricket while playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2013. Facing Pune Warriors India, Gayle reached his century in just 30 balls, ending with an astonishing 175 not out off 66 balls — the highest individual score in T20 cricket to date.
His innings was filled with brutal hitting, as he launched 17 sixes and 13 fours. It was a carnage that left fans speechless and the opposition demoralized. Gayle’s record is still untouched and is often cited as the benchmark for T20 batting dominance.
Fastest T20 International (T20I) Century – Kushal Malla
In T20 Internationals, the record for the fastest century belongs to Kushal Malla of Nepal, who scored a breathtaking century in just 34 balls against Mongolia during the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. This historic innings not only broke previous records but also showcased Nepal's rising potential in world cricket.
Malla’s innings was packed with power, timing, and innovation. His aggressive intent from the first ball helped Nepal post a mammoth total and drew international attention toward associate nations that are making waves in T20 cricket.
Other Notable Fast Centuries in T20 Cricket
Apart from Gayle and Malla, several other players have come close to or surpassed the 40-ball mark for a T20 century. Here are a few noteworthy performances:
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David Miller (South Africa) – 35 balls vs. Bangladesh (2017)
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Rohit Sharma (India) – 35 balls vs. Sri Lanka (2017)
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Sudesh Wickramasekara (Czech Republic) – 35 balls vs. Turkey (2019)
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Suryakumar Yadav (India) – 45 balls vs. Sri Lanka (2023)
These innings not only demonstrate the batting prowess of the players but also reflect how the T20 format encourages innovation and fearless cricket.
Factors Behind a Fast Century in T20
Scoring a century in T20 cricket, let alone a fast one, requires a mix of skill, strategy, and the right conditions. Here are a few factors that often contribute to such explosive innings:
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Power-hitting ability: Players who can consistently clear the ropes with ease have a clear advantage.
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Batting conditions: Flat pitches, small boundaries, and a fast outfield play a significant role.
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Opposition quality: Some fast centuries come against weaker or less experienced bowling attacks.
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Mental clarity: A fearless approach and positive intent from ball one are essential.
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Strike rotation: While boundaries are crucial, keeping the scoreboard ticking with quick singles helps maintain momentum.
Impact on the Game
Fast centuries in T20 cricket are more than just statistical marvels — they are momentum shifters. A batter scoring at an extraordinary rate can single-handedly turn the tide of a game, boost team morale, and demoralize the opposition. These innings often become viral highlights and are replayed for years.
For fans, they provide adrenaline-pumping entertainment. For young cricketers, they are a source of inspiration. And for bowlers, they serve as a reminder of the challenges in the shortest format of the game.
Conclusion
The fastest century in T20 cricket is not just about speed — it's about dominance, innovation, and fearless cricket. Chris Gayle's 30-ball hundred remains the gold standard in franchise cricket, while Kushal Malla's record-breaking effort in international cricket showcases the growing depth of talent in the global game. As T20 cricket continues to evolve, we can expect more such electrifying performances that push the boundaries of what's possible. One thing is certain: fans around the world will be watching with excitement, waiting for the next explosive century to rewrite history.
