In the T20 World Cup 2026, Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka batted brilliantly and scored the first century of the tournament. In the match played against Australia, Nissanka gave his team a memorable victory by scoring unbeaten 100 runs in just 52 balls. His powerful innings included 10 fours and 5 sixes, due to which Sri Lanka achieved the big target of 182 runs in just 18 overs.
This innings of Nissanka has become one of the fastest century innings in T20 World Cup history. Even before this, many batsmen have led their team to victory by scoring centuries on this big stage.
Chris Gayle holds the record for the fastest century
The record of scoring the fastest century in T20 World Cup history is held in the name of West Indies’ legendary batsman Chris Gayle. In 2016, he completed his century against England in just 47 balls at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Gayle had scored unbeaten 100 runs in 48 balls in that match, which included 5 fours and 11 sixes.
Gayle also became the first centurion of T20 World Cup
In the first T20 World Cup match played in 2007, Chris Gayle scored a century in 50 balls against South Africa. He scored 117 runs in that match and became the batsman to score the first century in T20 World Cup history.
Brendon McCullum also showed his strength
Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum scored a century in 51 balls against Bangladesh in the 2012 T20 World Cup. He played a brilliant inning of 123 runs in that match and played an important role in helping his team win.
These players also scored a quick century
Pakistan’s Ahmed Shahzad scored a century in 58 balls against Bangladesh in 2014. After him, South African explosive batsman Riley Russo also scored a century in 59 balls while batting explosively against Bangladesh.
Former Indian batsman Suresh Raina had completed his century in 59 balls against South Africa in 2010.
Fastest century in T20 World Cup
Chris Gayle – 47 balls vs England (2016, Mumbai)
Chris Gayle – 50 balls vs South Africa (2007, Johannesburg)
Brendon McCullum – 51 balls vs Bangladesh (2012, Pallekele)
Pathum Nissanka – 52 balls vs Australia (2026, Pallekele)
Ahmed Shahzad – 58 balls vs Bangladesh (2014, Mirpur)
Riley Russo – 52 balls vs Bangladesh (2022, Sydney)
Suresh Raina – 59 balls vs South Africa (2010, Gros Islet)
