The Fastest Centuries in T20 International Cricket: Records, Rivalries, and Remarkable Performances

In the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, where every ball counts, smashing a century is no small feat—let alone doing it at breakneck speed. Over the years, players have redefined what’s possible with their explosive batting, leaving fans awestruck and statisticians scrambling to update records. Leading the charge is Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan, who etched his name into history books by scoring the fastest T20I century ever—a breathtaking 100 off just 27 balls against Cyprus on June 17, 2024. But how does this stack up against other iconic performances? Let’s take a closer look at the men who’ve lit up the shortest format of the game.

Sahil Chauhan: Rewriting the Record Books

Sahil Chauhan’s 27-ball century wasn’t just quick; it was revolutionary. Facing an inexperienced Cyprus side, he unleashed a flurry of boundaries that left spectators gasping for air. His innings included 16 fours and 8 sixes, showcasing not only brute power but also impeccable timing. This performance shattered previous records and set a new benchmark for future generations. It also highlighted the growing competitiveness of associate nations in global cricket—a testament to the sport’s expanding reach.

Sikandar Raza and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton: Pushing Boundaries

Just months after Chauhan’s historic knock, Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza joined the elite club with a stunning 33-ball century against Gambia on October 23, 2024. Scoring 133* off just 43 deliveries, Raza combined elegance with aggression, proving himself as one of modern cricket’s most versatile talents. Interestingly, Namibia’s Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton had earlier matched this milestone, hitting a century in 33 balls against Nepal in February 2024. Both players demonstrated that even underdogs can produce moments of brilliance on the big stage.

Legends of the Format: David Miller, Rohit Sharma

Before these recent feats, South Africa’s David Miller and India’s Rohit Sharma shared the record for the fastest T20I century alongside Sri Lanka’s Sudesh Wickramasekara—all achieving the milestone in 35 balls. Miller’s blitzkrieg came against Bangladesh in 2017, while Rohit’s masterclass unfolded during a high-stakes clash with Sri Lanka the same year. Wickramasekara, meanwhile, showcased his firepower against Turkey in 2019, reminding everyone that smaller teams could punch above their weight.

Chris Gayle: The Pioneer of T20 Firepower

No discussion about T20 cricket would be complete without mentioning Chris Gayle, the self-proclaimed “Universe Boss.” In 2007, Gayle became the first player to score a T20I century, blasting 117 off 57 balls against South Africa during the inaugural ICC World Twenty20. Though his century took 47 balls—a far cry from today’s standards—it laid the foundation for the aggressive style of play now synonymous with the format. Gayle remains a towering figure in T20 history, inspiring countless batters to embrace risk-taking and innovation.

Emerging Stars and Unsung Heroes

Beyond the household names, several lesser-known cricketers have made their mark in T20I history. Kushal Malla of Nepal announced his arrival with a 34-ball century against Mongolia in 2023, while Abhishek Sharma of India achieved the same feat in just 37 balls against England in early 2025. These performances underscore the depth of talent across the globe and hint at the exciting possibilities ahead for T20 cricket.

Key Takeaways from T20I’s Fastest Centuries

What makes these achievements truly remarkable is the blend of skill, strategy, and sheer audacity required to pull them off. Whether it’s Aaron Finch’s calculated assault against England in 2013 or Hazratullah Zazai’s youthful exuberance against Ireland in 2019, each century tells a unique story. Moreover, they reflect the evolving nature of T20 cricket, where adaptability and fearlessness are prized above all else.

A Celebration of Cricket’s Evolution

As we marvel at these incredible feats, it’s worth noting how much T20 cricket has grown since its inception in 2005. From Ricky Ponting’s near-century in the first-ever T20I to Suryakumar Yadav’s blistering 45-ball ton against Sri Lanka in 2023, the format continues to push boundaries and redefine excellence. With emerging stars like Sahil Chauhan setting new benchmarks, the future promises even more thrilling contests and unforgettable moments.

Will anyone surpass Chauhan’s 27-ball century anytime soon? Only time will tell—but one thing’s for sure: T20 cricket will keep delivering drama, excitement, and jaw-dropping displays of power-hitting.