The T20 World Cup 2026 has begun, and fans are enjoying a slew of spectacular performances. This major tournament has always been a stage where legends are made and unique moments are created. Among the many highlights, the fastest centuries stand out, showcasing the immense power and skill of T20 batsmen. As fans await this year's competition, let's take a look at the top five fastest centuries in T20 World Cup history, moments that have had a profound impact on the game. These magnificent innings showcase not only individual talent but also the exciting nature of T20 cricket.
1. Chris Gayle (West Indies) 47 Balls
West Indies' charismatic batsman Chris Gayle is renowned for his explosive hitting and T20 abilities. During the 2016 T20 World Cup, Gayle scored a century against England off just 47 balls. His stellar innings included five fours and 11 sixes, giving him a strike rate of 208.33. Gayle's ability to dominate the bowlers with ease laid the foundation for West Indies' successful chase. This innings not only helped West Indies secure a crucial victory but also cemented Gayle's reputation as one of T20 cricket's most dangerous batsmen. His fearless attitude and ability to hit big sixes under pressure showcased his unparalleled talent and experience in the shortest format of the game.
2. Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 50 Balls
In the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, Gayle set the stage on fire with a blazing century against South Africa. Reaching the milestone in just 50 balls, Gayle's innings was a brilliant example of clean hitting, featuring 7 fours and 10 sixes, and a strike rate of 205.26. This innings laid the foundation for his reputation as a T20 legend. Gayle's performance played a crucial role in showcasing the potential of T20 cricket to a global audience. His ability to hit boundaries consistently and with ease made him a fan favorite and a key player for the West Indies. This century, the first in T20 World Cup history, set a benchmark for future players and further cemented Gayle's status as a T20 legend.
3. Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) – 51 Balls
Brendon McCullum did it in just 51 balls. In a match against Bangladesh during the 2012 World Cup, McCullum scored 123 runs off 58 balls. His brilliant innings included 11 fours and 7 sixes, giving him a strike rate of 212.06. McCullum's innings not only put New Zealand in a strong position in the match, but also cemented his reputation as one of the game's most dangerous batsmen. His fearless batting style and quick run-scoring played a key role in New Zealand's successful start to the tournament.
4. Rilee Rossouw (South Africa) – 52 Balls
Rilee Rossouw played a brilliant innings against Bangladesh in the 2022 T20 World Cup, scoring a century off just 52 balls. His 109-run innings included seven fours and eight sixes, and his strike rate was 194.64. Rossouw's innings was a testament to his courage and ability to score quickly when needed, contributing significantly to South Africa's difficult 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 strengthened South Africa's batting, allowing them to build and finish innings effectively.
5. Ahmed Shehzad (Pakistan) – 58 Balls
Ahmed Shehzad's 111-run innings against Bangladesh in the 2014 T20 World Cup showcased his ability and strength, reaching his century in just 58 balls. His innings included 10 fours and 5 sixes, and his strike rate was 179.03. Shehzad's performance was crucial in putting Pakistan in a strong position in the match, highlighting his importance to the team in the shortest format. Shehzad's century was a significant moment for Pakistan cricket, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level.
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