On This Day in 2017: Rohit Sharma Smashes Fastest T20I Century for India Against Sri Lanka

Indore: On 22 December 2017, India’s Rohit Sharma set a remarkable record in T20 International cricket by scoring the fastest century for India, smashing a hundred off just 35 balls against Sri Lanka in the second T20I at Indore. This feat came just nine days after Rohit had hit his third double century in ODIs, also against Sri Lanka, showcasing a remarkable run of form.

A Masterclass in Power-Hitting:
In that match, Sri Lanka batted first after losing the toss, and Rohit, leading India in Virat Kohli’s absence, opened alongside KL Rahul. The duo forged a formidable 165-run partnership in just 12.4 overs, with Rohit scoring 118 runs off 43 balls. His innings featured 12 fours and 10 sixes, while KL Rahul contributed 89 runs. India posted a mammoth 260/5 in 20 overs, and Sri Lanka were bowled out for 172 in 17.4 overs, with Yuzvendra Chahal taking four crucial wickets. With this win, India took a commanding 2-0 lead in the series, which they later converted into a 3-0 series sweep.

Rohit’s White-Ball Legacy:
Though Rohit Sharma’s Test record may not be as extraordinary, he remains a dominant force in white-ball cricket. He holds three double centuries in ODIs and the record for India’s fastest T20I century. Rohit equaled South Africa’s David Miller’s 35-ball T20I century record during this match.

Fastest T20I Centuries – Notable Records:

• 27 balls: Sahil Chauhan (Estonia vs Cyprus, 17 June 2024)
• 29 balls: Mohammad Fahad (Turkey vs Bulgaria, 12 July 2025)
• 33 balls: Jen-Nicol Lofty-Eaton (Namibia vs Nepal, 27 Feb 2024)
• 33 balls: Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe vs Gambia, 23 Feb 2024)
• 34 balls: Kushal Malla (Nepal vs Mongolia, 27 Sep 2023)
• 35 balls: David Miller (South Africa vs Bangladesh, 29 Oct 2017)
• 35 balls: Rohit Sharma (India vs Sri Lanka, 22 Dec 2017)
• 37 balls: Abhishek Sharma (India vs England, 2 Feb 2025)

Rohit’s explosive innings on this day remains a defining moment in India’s T20 cricket history, reflecting his unmatched ability to dominate in limited-overs cricket.