Five Fastest Centuries in T20 World Cup History: Chris Gayle Features Twice

With the T20 World Cup just around the corner, anticipation is building as the tournament prepares to return to the global stage, this time to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Over the years, the competition has witnessed several breathtaking batting performances, but only a handful of players have managed to score centuries at lightning speed. Notably, one player’s name appears twice on the list of the fastest hundreds in T20 World Cup history — the iconic Chris Gayle.

Here is a look at the five fastest centuries ever scored in T20 World Cups:

1. Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 47 balls

The fastest century in T20 World Cup history belongs to the legendary “Universe Boss.” Gayle achieved this remarkable feat during the 2016 T20 World Cup against England at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. He brought up his hundred in just 47 balls, smashing 11 sixes in a brutal display of power-hitting that left the English bowling attack in disarray.

2. Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 50 balls

Gayle also holds the record for the second-fastest T20 World Cup century. In the opening match of the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup, he hammered South Africa for a century off just 50 deliveries. This knock was historic, as it was the first century ever scored in T20 World Cup history, setting the tone for the future of the format.

3. Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) – 51 balls

Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, known for his fearless approach, scored a sensational century during the 2012 T20 World Cup against Bangladesh at Pallekele. He reached the landmark in 51 balls, finishing with 123 runs, which stood as the highest individual score in the tournament for a long period.

4. Rilee Rossouw (South Africa) – 52 balls

South African batter Rilee Rossouw lit up the 2022 T20 World Cup with a destructive hundred against Bangladesh in Sydney. Rossouw completed his century in 52 balls, becoming the first South African to score a T20 World Cup hundred.

5. Ahmed Shehzad (Pakistan) – 58 balls

Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad completed the list with his century against Bangladesh during the 2014 T20 World Cup. He reached the three-figure mark in 58 balls, also becoming Pakistan’s first centurion in T20 Internationals.

As the upcoming T20 World Cup approaches, fans will be eager to see whether modern-day power-hitters can challenge these iconic records—or if Chris Gayle’s dominance at the top will remain untouched.