Cricket is a sport known for its various achievements, but scoring a century (100 runs) is one of the most celebrated feats for a batter. In Twenty20 (T20) cricket, the shortest form of the game, hitting a century is even more impressive due to the limited number of balls in each innings.
Fastest century in T20
In June 2024, Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan set a new world record for the fastest century in T20 cricket. During a bilateral series match against Cyprus, Chauhan reached his hundred in just 27 balls.
| Balls | Player | Team | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | Sahil Chauhan | Estonia | Cyprus | 2024 |
| 30 | Chris Gayle | Royal Challengers Bangalore | Pune Warriors | 2013 |
| 32 | Rishabh Pant | Delhi | Himachal Pradesh | 2018 |
| 33 | Wihan Lubbe | North West | Limpopo | 2018 |
| 33 | Nicol Loftie-Eaton | Namibia | Nepal | 2024 |
| 34 | Kushal Malla | Nepal | Mongolia | 2023 |
| 34 | Andrew Symonds | Kent | Middlesex | 2004 |
| 34 | Sean Abbott | Surrey | Kent | 2023 |
| 35 | David Miller | South Africa | Bangladesh | 2017 |
| 35 | Rohit Sharma | India | Sri Lanka | 2017 |
| 35 | Louis van der Westhuizen | Namibia | Kenya | 2011 |
| 35 | Sudesh Wickramasekara | Czech Republic | Turkey | 2019 |
| 35 | Martin Guptill | Worcestershire | Northamptonshire | 2018 |
Chris Gayle: The Former Record Holder
The ‘Universe Boss’ Unleashed
Before Chauhan’s feat, Chris Gayle held the record for the fastest T20 century. The West Indian superstar achieved this milestone in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2013.
Breaking Down Gayle’s Innings
Playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against Pune Warriors, Gayle’s performance was remarkable:
- Reached his hundred in 30 balls
- Broke Andrew Symonds’ previous record of 34 balls
- Finished with 175 runs off 66 balls (still the highest individual score in T20 cricket)
- Hit 17 sixes and 13 fours
- Helped RCB score 263/5 in 20 overs
- Led his team to a 130-run victory
Other Notable Fast Centuries
Rishabh Pant’s Domestic Brilliance
India’s Rishabh Pant holds the third spot on the list of fastest T20 centuries. In January 2018, during a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match:
- Pant scored a century in 32 balls
- Represented Delhi against Himachal Pradesh
The Significance of Fast Centuries in T20 Cricket
Impact on the Game
Rapid centuries in T20 cricket are important for several reasons:
- Match-winning performances: These innings often single-handedly win games for their teams.
- Entertainment value: Fast centuries excite fans and showcase the explosive nature of T20 cricket.
- Tactical importance: Quick scoring puts immense pressure on the opposing team.
Challenges of Scoring Quick Centuries
Achieving such fast centuries requires:
- Exceptional hand-eye coordination
- Ability to hit boundaries consistently
- Mental toughness to take risks
- Physical fitness to maintain intensity
The Evolution of T20 Batting
Changing Approaches
Since its inception, T20 cricket has seen batters evolve their techniques:
- Increased focus on power-hitting
- Development of new shots like the scoop and reverse sweep
- Improved fitness levels to maintain high strike rates
Technology and Training
Modern batters benefit from:
- Advanced analytics to study opposing bowlers
- Specialized training equipment for power-hitting practice
- Video analysis to refine techniques
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