As the cricketing world gears up for the T20 World Cup 2024, fans are eagerly waiting for explosive performances and record-breaking feats. This prestigious tournament has always been a stage where legends are made and extraordinary moments unfold. Among the many highlights, the fastest centuries stand out, showcasing the sheer power and skill of T20 batters.
As fans look forward to this year’s competition, let’s have a look at the top five fastest centuries in T20 World Cup history, moments that have left an indelible mark on the sport. These remarkable innings not only highlight individual brilliance but also exemplify the thrilling nature of T20 cricket.
Fastest hundreds in T20 World Cup history
1) Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 47 Balls
Match: West Indies vs England
Location: Wankhede
Date: 16 March 2016
Chris Gayle, the charismatic West Indian, is renowned for his powerful hitting and T20 prowess. In a match against England during the 2016 T20 World Cup, Gayle hammered a century off just 47 balls. His explosive innings included 5 fours and 11 sixes, resulting in a strike rate of 208.33. Gayle’s ability to dominate the bowlers with ease set the tone for West Indies’ successful chase.
This innings not only helped West Indies secure a vital victory but also reaffirmed Gayle’s status as one of the most destructive batters in T20 cricket. His fearless approach and ability to hit massive sixes under pressure showcased his unmatched talent and experience in the shortest format of the game.
2) Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 50 Balls
Match: West Indies vs South Africa
Location: Johannesburg
Date: 11 September 2007
In the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, Gayle set the stage on fire with a breathtaking century against South Africa. Reaching the milestone in just 50 balls, Gayle’s innings was a spectacle of clean hitting, featuring 7 fours and 10 sixes, at a strike rate of 205.26. This knock laid the foundation for his reputation as a T20 legend.
Gayle’s performance was instrumental in showcasing the potential of T20 cricket to the global audience. His ability to consistently hit boundaries with ease turned him into a fan favorite and a key player for the West Indies. This century was the first in T20 World Cup history, setting a benchmark for future players and adding to Gayle’s legacy as a T20 giant.
3) Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) – 51 Balls
Match: New Zealand vs Bangladesh
Location: Pallekele
Date: 21 September 2012
Brendon McCullum, known for his explosive batting, holds the record for the third fastest century in T20 World Cup history, achieving it in just 51 balls. In a match against Bangladesh during the 2012 World Cup, McCullum smashed 123 runs off 58 balls. His blistering innings included 11 boundaries and 7 sixes, resulting in a staggering strike rate of 212.06.
McCullum’s knock not only helped New Zealand to a commanding position in the match but also cemented his reputation as one of the most fearsome hitters in the game. His fearless batting style and quick scoring were pivotal in setting the tone for New Zealand’s campaign in the tournament. This innings remains a highlight in McCullum’s illustrious career, showcasing his ability to take on any bowling attack with ease and flair.
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4) Rilee Rossouw (South Africa) – 52 Balls
Match: South Africa vs Bangladesh
Location: Sydney
Date: 27 October 2022
Rilee Rossouw played a phenomenal knock against Bangladesh in the 2022 T20 World Cup, scoring a century off just 52 balls. His 109-run innings featured 7 fours and 8 sixes, at a strike rate of 194.64. Rossouw’s innings was a testament to his resilience and capability to accelerate when needed, contributing significantly to South Africa’s competitive total.
Rossouw’s performance in this match was crucial for South Africa, demonstrating his maturity and ability to handle pressure on the world stage. His innings provided the backbone for South Africa’s batting effort, showcasing his skill in both building an innings and finishing with a flourish. This century highlighted Rossouw as one of the key players in T20 cricket, capable of changing the course of a match single-handedly.
5) Ahmed Shehzad (Pakistan) – 58 Balls
Match: Pakistan vs Bangladesh
Location: Mirpur
Date: 30 March 2014
Ahmed Shehzad‘s 111-run knock against Bangladesh in the 2014 T20 World Cup was a display of finesse and power, reaching his century in just 58 balls. His innings included 10 boundaries and 5 sixes, with a strike rate of 179.03. Shehzad’s performance was crucial in propelling Pakistan to a commanding position in the match, highlighting his importance to the team in the shortest format.
Shehzad’s century was a significant moment for Pakistan cricket, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level. His leadership at the top of the order and ability to anchor the innings provided stability and allowed other batsmen to play around him. This innings was not only a personal milestone for Shehzad but also a testament to Pakistan’s growing prowess in T20 cricket.
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2024 – Complete squads of all 20 teams
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