Scoring a century in T20 cricket is a remarkable achievement, given the format’s fast-paced nature and limited overs. Over the years, several players have etched their names into cricketing history by delivering blistering hundreds. Among them, Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan currently holds the record for the fastest century in T20 cricket.
Sahil Chauhan’s Record-Breaking Knock
In June 2024, Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan shattered all records by scoring a century in just 27 balls during a bilateral series match against Cyprus. Batting at No. 4, Chauhan remained unbeaten on 144 off 41 balls, smashing 18 sixes and six fours. His innings propelled Estonia to chase down a target of 192 in just 13 overs, securing a six-wicket victory. This feat not only became the fastest century in T20 cricket but also set the record for the fastest century in T20 Internationals.
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Chris Gayle’s Legendary Feat
Before Chauhan’s record-breaking performance, Chris Gayle held the title for the fastest T20 century. Known as the “Universe Boss,” Gayle achieved this milestone in 2013 during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors India. He reached his hundred in just 30 balls and went on to score an unbeaten 175 off 66 deliveries, which remains the highest individual score in T20 cricket to date.
Other Notable Centuries
Several other players have delivered exceptional performances in T20 cricket:
- Rishabh Pant: The Indian wicketkeeper-batter scored a 32-ball century during a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match against Himachal Pradesh in 2018.
- Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton: Namibia’s batter reached his hundred in just 33 balls against Nepal in February 2024, setting an international record before Chauhan broke it.
- Urvil Patel: In October 2024, Gujarat’s Urvil Patel scored a century off 28 balls during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, marking the fastest domestic T20 century by an Indian.
Fastest Centuries in T20 World Cup
Chris Gayle also holds the record for the fastest century in ICC T20 World Cup history. He scored a hundred off just 47 balls against England in Mumbai during the 2016 edition of the tournament. Gayle is the only player to have scored two centuries in T20 World Cup history, with his second-fastest ton coming off 50 balls against South Africa in the inaugural edition in 2007.
Significance of Fast Centuries
Fast centuries are not just statistical marvels; they demonstrate unparalleled skill, power-hitting ability, and mental fortitude under pressure. Players like Sahil Chauhan and Chris Gayle have redefined batting standards in T20 cricket, inspiring future generations to push boundaries.
With records continually being broken and new stars emerging, the quest for faster centuries remains one of the most thrilling aspects of T20 cricket.
