Fastest century in T20: Know the domestic and international records

As competitive as it gets, a batsman scoring the fastest century in T20 is one of the most significant feats in cricket history.

Whether it is a game of domestic T20, franchise T20, or T20 international cricket, a cricketer who can play out an inning with passion and hunger for a century often stands out as a gem in the 20-over format.

Sahil Chauhan holds the record for the fastest century in T20. Estonia batter Sahil Chauhan took just 27 balls for his century against Cyprus in the second T20I of a six-match series in Episkopi.

After Estonia restricted Cyprus to 191/7 in their 20 overs, Sahil Chauhan smashed an unbeaten 144 off just 41 balls to guide Estonia to a six-wicket victory. Batting at No.4, Chauhan's magnificent knock was laced with 18 sixes and six fours. 

Chris Gayle previously held the record for the fastest century in T20, taking just 30 balls for his century against Pune in the 2013 edition of the Indian T20 League.

The ‘Universe Boss’ finished the innings with a blitzkrieg 175 off just 66 balls laced with 17 sixes and 13 fours at a strike rate of over 266. Gayle’s unbeaten knock of 175 remains the highest individual score in T20 cricket and the fastest century across all formats of cricket.

Fastest century in T20 cricket

Before Chris Gayle, former Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan enjoyed being the fastest centurion in the Indian T20 League. In the 2010 game against Mumbai, Rajasthan were reduced to 37-3 after seven overs and a 37-ball century from Pathan almost saw the side chase down a target of 213.

Rishabh Pant holds the fastest century in T20 cricket by an Indian. Opening for Delhi, he took just 32 balls to reach his hundred in a Syed Mushtaq Ali match against Himachal Pradesh in 2018. Gautam Gambhir was Rishabh’s opening partner on the day.

Fastest century in Indian T20 League

As far as the fastest century in T20Is is concerned, that record belongs to Estonia's Sahil Chauhan, who scored a ton off just 27 balls against Cyprus. He surpassed the previous record held by Namibia's Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, who smashed a T20I century off 33 balls.

Nepal's Kushal Malla features third on the list of fastest century in T20I cricket. He slammed a 34-ball ton against Mongolia in 2023.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s David Miller holds the record for the fourth fastest century in T20 internationals. He just took 35 balls for his hundred against Bangladesh in 2017. Interestingly, he was dropped on zero. 

Within two months, Indian cricket team opener Rohit Sharma equalled Miller’s record in the 2017 T20I against Sri Lanka at Indore. Rohit’s sensational knock came days after his third double-century in ODIs.

Fastest century in T20I cricket

Lead photo: JEWEL SAMAD / AFP