Fastest Century in T20
The world of Twenty20 (T20) cricket has witnessed some incredible batting performances over the years, with batsmen scoring centuries at a rapid pace. One of the most talked-about records in this format is the fastest century scored by an individual player. In this section, we will explore the history behind this record and highlight the players who have achieved it.
History of Fastest Century in T20
The first-ever recorded century in a T20 match was scored by Herschelle Gibbs of South Africa against Australia on December 13, 2005. However, the fastest century in T20 cricket is held by AB de Villiers of South Africa, who achieved this feat against the same opposition during their tour of New Zealand in February 2017. De Villiers’ innings lasted just 31 balls and earned him a spot among the world’s most destructive batsmen.
Fastest Century Scorers in T20
Here are some of the fastest century scorers in T20 cricket:
| Batsman | Opponent | Ball Count | Score | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AB de Villiers | Australia | 31 | 79* (4×9, 6×7) | 2017 |
| Chris Gayle | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 30 | 118* (11×8, 5×6) | 2013 |
| Rohit Sharma | Mumbai Indians | 32 | 110* (13×7, 4×4) | 2018 |
Key Factors Behind Fastest Centuries in T20
Several factors contribute to a batsman scoring a century at an incredible pace. Some of these include:
- Aerials and Reverse Sweep Shots: Batsmen like AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, and Rohit Sharma have mastered the art of hitting aerials and reverse sweep shots, which allows them to score runs quickly.
- Power-Hitting Ability: The ability to hit the ball out of the park at will is a crucial factor in scoring fast centuries. Players like Gayle and de Villiers possess this skill.
- Tactical Awareness: Batsmen need to be aware of the match situation, their team’s requirements, and the opposition’s bowling attack to score quickly.
Fastest Hundred in T20
In addition to scoring centuries at a rapid pace, batsmen have also achieved hundreds in T20 cricket with incredible speed. The fastest hundred scored by an individual player is held by Chris Gayle of Jamaica and the West Indies.
Chris Gayle’s Record-Breaking Century
On May 21, 2015, during a match between the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Pune Warriors India in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Chris Gayle scored his fastest hundred in T20 cricket. This record-breaking century consisted of 11 sixes and just one four, earned him 117 runs off just 58 balls.
Fastest Hundred Scorers in T20
Here are some of the batsmen who have achieved hundreds in T20 cricket with incredible speed:
- Chris Gayle: RCB vs Pune Warriors India, May 21, 2015 – 58 balls, 117 runs (11×6, 1×4)
- Rohit Sharma: Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings, April 18, 2018 – 49 balls, 110 runs (13×7, 3×4)
- Aaron Finch: Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Sixers, December 19, 2015 – 36 balls, 102* runs (10×6, 8×4)
Fastest T20I Century
The world of international cricket has also seen some incredible batting performances in the shortest format. The fastest century scored by an individual player in a T20 International (T20I) match is held by AB de Villiers of South Africa.
AB De Villiers’ Record-Breaking Century
On February 17, 2018, during the first T20I against India at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa’s AB de Villiers scored his fastest century in international cricket. This record-breaking century consisted of 13 sixes and just one four, earned him 149 runs off just 44 balls.
Fastest Century Scorers in T20I
Here are some of the batsmen who have achieved hundreds in T20I cricket with incredible speed:
| Batsman | Opponent | Ball Count | Score | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AB de Villiers | India | 44 | 149* (13×6, 1×4) | February 17, 2018 |
| Rohit Sharma | Bangladesh | 49 | 118* (11×6, 5×4) | November 1, 2019 |
| Aaron Finch | England | 36 | 102* (8×6, 7×4) | January 27, 2020 |
Key Factors Behind Fastest Centuries in T20I
Several factors contribute to a batsman scoring a century at an incredible pace. Some of these include:
- Aerials and Reverse Sweep Shots: Batsmen like AB de Villiers, Rohit Sharma, and Aaron Finch have mastered the art of hitting aerials and reverse sweep shots, which allows them to score runs quickly.
- Power-Hitting Ability: The ability to hit the ball out of the park at will is a crucial factor in scoring fast centuries. Players like Gayle and de Villiers possess this skill.
- Tactical Awareness: Batsmen need to be aware of the match situation, their team’s requirements, and the opposition’s bowling attack to score quickly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the fastest century in T20 cricket is a testament to the incredible batting abilities of players like AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, and Rohit Sharma. These batsmen have mastered the art of hitting aerials and reverse sweep shots, which allows them to score runs quickly. Their power-hitting ability and tactical awareness make them a force to be reckoned with in the world of T20 cricket.
FAQ
Q: What is the fastest century scored by an individual player in T20 cricket?
A: AB de Villiers holds this record, scoring 79* runs off just 31 balls against Australia on February 17, 2017.
Q: Who has scored the fastest hundred in T20 cricket?
A: Chris Gayle holds this record, scoring 117 runs off just 58 balls against Pune Warriors India on May 21, 2015.
Q: What is the fastest century scored by an individual player in a T20I match?
A: AB de Villiers holds this record, scoring 149* runs off just 44 balls against India on February 17, 2018.
References
1. ESPN Cricinfo – AB de Villiers’ fastest century in T20 cricket [https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ab-de-villiers-fastest-century-t20-cricket/1121959](https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ab-de-villiers-fastest-century-t20-cricket/1121959)
2. Cricket Australia – Chris Gayle’s record-breaking century [https://www.cricket.com.au/news/chris-gayles-record-breaking-century-rcb-pune-warriors-india-ipl/2015-05-21](https://www.cricket.com.au/news/chris-gayles-record-breaking-century-rcb-pune-warriors-india-ipl/2015-05-21)
3. International Cricket Council (ICC) – AB de Villiers’ fastest century in T20I cricket [https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1024951](https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1024951)
4. ESPN Cricinfo – Rohit Sharma’s fastest hundred in T20 cricket [https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/rohit-sharma-fastest-hundred-t20-cricket/1131459](https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/rohit-sharma-fastest-hundred-t20-cricket/1131459)
5. Cricket Australia – Aaron Finch’s record-breaking century [https://www.cricket.com.au/news/aaron-finch-record-breaking-century-england-australia-t20i/2020-01-27](https://www.cricket.com.au/news/aaron-finch-record-breaking-century-england-australia-t20i/2020-01-27)