T20 cricket is built on speed, power, and innovation—and nothing symbolizes that more than blazing centuries. The fastest T20I centuries not only dazzle fans but also set the bar higher for what’s possible in international cricket. In this article, we look at the top 5 fastest T20I centuries that made headlines and etched their way into cricketing folklore.
David Miller – South Africa
David Miller holds one of the most famous records in T20 cricket with a century that stunned everyone watching.David Miller scored a century off just 35 balls against Bangladesh in Potchefstroom in 2017. His innings included 7 fours and 9 sixes. This knock, now legendary, showcased his ability to accelerate like few others and cemented his reputation as a T20 powerhouse.
| Opponent | Balls Taken | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 35 balls | 2017 |
Rohit Sharma – India
Known for his elegant strokeplay, Rohit Sharma showed his explosive side in this unforgettable match. Rohit Sharma matched Miller’s record by smashing a hundred in just 35 balls against Sri Lanka. The Indian opener hit 10 sixes and 12 boundaries. It was a perfect blend of finesse and ferocity, reminding everyone why he’s considered one of the modern greats of limited-overs cricket.
| Opponent | Balls Taken | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 35 balls | 2017 |
Sudesh Wickramasekara – Czech Republic
One of the lesser-known names on this list, Sudesh Wickramasekara’s performance brought global attention to European cricket.Sudesh Wickramasekara blasted a 35-ball century against Turkey in the Continental Cup. His fearless striking put Czech Republic cricket on the map and proved that T20 brilliance isn’t limited to just full-member nations.
| Opponent | Balls Taken | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 35 balls | 2019 |
Sivakumar Periyalwar – Romania
Another surprise entry, Sivakumar Periyalwar made history with a brilliant hundred that was both fast and fearless. Representing Romania, Periyalwar smashed a 39-ball century against Turkey in 2019. His performance added depth to cricket’s growth in Europe and brought a wave of attention to Romanian cricket on the global stage.
| Opponent | Balls Taken | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 39 balls | 2019 |
George Munsey – Scotland
A stylish left-hander with the ability to clear boundaries with ease, George Munsey’s innings is one of the fastest from a full-member associate team. Munsey struck a hundred in just 41 balls, including 14 sixes, in a powerful display against the Netherlands. His innings combined clean hitting with calculated aggression, marking him as one of the most dangerous openers in associate cricket.
| Opponent | Balls Taken | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 41 balls | 2019 |
The Rise of Fastest T20I Centuries
The emergence of the fastest T20I centuries reflects how much the game has evolved. T20 cricket demands quick thinking, raw power, and fearless execution. These rapid centuries have become more common with modern batting techniques, flat pitches, and smaller boundaries.
Players from full-member nations like India and South Africa continue to dominate headlines, but the inclusion of players from Romania and the Czech Republic proves that cricket’s global footprint is growing. The fastest T20I centuries now come from every corner of the cricketing world, showcasing a new generation of aggressive and fearless batsmen.
Factors Fueling the Fastest T20I Centuries
The evolution of cricket, especially in the T20 format, has drastically changed the way batters approach the game. Several factors contribute to the rise of the fastest T20I centuries:
- Flat pitches: Modern pitches often favor batsmen with little assistance for bowlers.
- Powerplay rules: Fielding restrictions in the first six overs allow aggressive starts.
- Improved fitness and power-hitting: Players train specifically for explosive shot-making.
- T20-Specific Strategy: Batters now take calculated risks, targeting certain bowlers, and utilizing powerplays.
These elements combined have turned T20 internationals into a high-octane contest where centuries in under 40 balls are no longer a rarity, but a realistic target for the world’s top hitters.
The top 5 fastest T20I centuries featured in this list are more than just statistics — they are unforgettable moments that redefined what’s possible in the shortest format of cricket. From David Miller’s thunderous hundred to George Munsey’s fireworks, each of these innings has a special place in T20I history.
As the format continues to evolve, fans can expect even more breathtaking centuries and thrilling batting displays. But for now, these five innings stand as monumental achievements in the world of international T20 cricket.