T20 cricket is all about speed and excitement. Unlike Tests or ODIs, this format gives batsmen only 120 balls to score big. That is why fast centuries in T20 have a special charm.
They define explosive batting, power-hitting, and the ability to dominate any bowling attack.
Over the years, fans have witnessed some breathtaking innings. Players have smashed centuries in less than 40 balls. These knocks are not just records but iconic moments in cricket history. Let’s explore the fastest century in T20 cricket across formats, leagues, and international matches.
Scoring a century in less than 40 balls is not easy. Several factors play a role:
Pitch conditions: Flat pitches help batters play shots freely.
Powerplay advantage: Field restrictions allow more boundaries in the first six overs.
Six-hitting ability: Power hitters like Gayle, Miller, and Rohit maximise every loose ball.
Bowling attack quality: Centuries often come against weaker or inexperienced bowling line-ups.
Fast centuries require skill, timing, and controlled aggression. Players need courage to attack from the very first ball.
The fastest T20 International century belongs to Sahil Chauhan of Estonia. He reached his hundred in just 27 balls against Cyprus in 2024. The innings was pure destruction. Sahil cleared boundaries with ease, hitting five fours and thirteen sixes. This record showed how fearless batting could change a game.
Franchise leagues like IPL, BBL, PSL, and CPL have raised the bar in T20 cricket. Here, big hitters face quality bowlers under pressure. Yet, some innings have rewritten history.
The fastest century in any T20 match belongs to Chris Gayle. Playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL 2013, he scored a hundred in 30 balls against Pune Warriors. His final score of 175* remains the highest in T20 cricket.
This knock is still regarded as the greatest T20 innings ever played. Gayle’s power-hitting forced bowlers to rethink strategies.
Player | Balls | Opponent | Year |
Sahil Chauhan | 27 | Cyprus | 2024 |
Urvil Patel | 28 | Tripura | 2024 |
Muhammad Fahad | 29 | Bulgaria | 2025 |
Chris Gayle | 30 | Pune Warriors | 2013 |
Rishabh Pant | 32 | Himachal Pradesh | 2018 |
Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton | 33 | Nepal | 2024 |
Sikandar Raza | 33 | Gambia | 2024 |
Wihan Lubbe | 33 | Limpopo | 2018 |
Kushal Malla | 34 | Mongolia | 2023 |
David Miller | 35 | Bangladesh | 2017 |
The IPL fastest century record belongs to Chris Gayle with his 30-ball hundred in 2013. That match changed IPL forever. Gayle’s innings included 17 sixes and 13 fours.
Other quick hundreds in IPL came from Vaibhav Suryavanshi (35 balls), Yusuf Pathan (37 balls), and Heinrich Klaasen (37 balls). IPL has always been the hub for record-breaking centuries because of batting-friendly pitches and world-class talent.
The T20 World Cup has seen some magical knocks. The fastest century in a T20 World Cup belongs to Chris Gayle again. He scored a hundred in 47 balls against England in 2016.
On the big stage, pressure is high. Bowlers are top-class. Yet Gayle showed why he is called the “Universe Boss.” His innings set the tone for the West Indies’ successful tournament.
India has produced some explosive T20 batsmen. The fastest T20 century by an Indian in domestic cricket came from Urvil Patel. He scored a 28-ball hundred in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024.
In T20 Internationals, Rohit Sharma holds the record. He smashed a 35-ball hundred against Sri Lanka in 2017. His timing and elegance proved that even classical players can dominate T20 cricket.
With shorter boundaries, heavier bats, and fearless batting, the future looks exciting. Someone may break Sahil’s 27-ball record soon.
Young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, and Dewald Brevis can set new benchmarks. T20 cricket is evolving, and fans can expect more fireworks in the upcoming years.
The fastest century in T20 is not just a record. It represents the fearless nature of modern cricket. Players like Chris Gayle, David Miller, and Rohit Sharma have shown how thrilling this format can be.
Every fast century inspires fans and motivates young cricketers to dream bigger. The legacy of these knocks will live on forever in cricket history.
I’m Avijit Brahma, a cricket enthusiast who enjoys dissecting games, evaluating player performances, and offering my opinions on the sport. I’m here to share my thoughts, ideas, and everything about cricket, whether it’s a thrilling finish or a knock that breaks records. Let’s have a proper conversation about cricket!