Fastest century in T20 World Cup: Chris Gayle, Brendon McCullum headline list

Chris Gayle holds the record for the fastest century in T20 World Cup history. 

During a Super 10 Group 1 clash in 2016, the flamboyant West Indies cricketer slammed a century off just 47 balls against England to record the fastest century in T20 World Cup across editions.

Chris Gayle surpassed his own record to script history as he earlier hammered a 50-ball ton against hosts South Africa in the opening match of the inaugural T20 World Cup in Johannesburg in 2007. 

The Universe Boss is the only player to register two centuries at the T20 World Cup.

The likes of New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum, Rilee Rossouw of South Africa and Pakistan’s Ahmed Shehzad also feature in the list of fastest centuries in T20 World Cup history.

Among Indian cricketers, Suresh Raina holds the record for the fastest century in T20 World Cup. He smashed a ton off just 59 balls against South Africa in 2010.

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Fastest century in T20 World Cup

Chris Gayle | 47 balls vs England, 2016 T20 World Cup

Chris Gayle is the current record holder for the fastest century in T20 World Cup history. Chasing 183, the former swashbuckling left-handed opener smashed a 47-ball century against England to guide West Indies to a six-wicket win at the Wankhede Stadium in March 2016. Gayle’s match-winning knock was laced with five fours and 11 sixes. The West Indies star remained unbeaten on 100 off 48 balls to help the Windies chase down the target in 18.1 overs.

Chris Gayle | 50 balls vs South Africa, 2007 T20 World Cup

Chris Gayle also held the previous record for the fastest century in T20 World Cup history. Gayle clobbered the first T20I century in the first-ever T20 World Cup game against South Africa at The Wanderers Stadium in 2007. Opening the batting, Gayle took just 50 balls to score his century. He finished with 117 off 57 balls to propel West Indies to 205/6 in their 20 overs. Gayle’s magnificent knock included seven fours and 10 sixes. Despite Gayle’s sensational knock, hosts South Africa successfully chased down the target to register an eight-wicket victory in Johannesburg.

Brendon McCullum | 51 balls vs Bangladesh, 2012 T20 World Cup

Former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Brendon McCullum features third on the list for the fastest century in T20 World Cup history. During a T20 World Cup 2012 group match, Brendon McCullum slammed a 51-ball century against Bangladesh in Pallekele. Batting at No.3, hard-hitting McCullum smashed 123 off just 58 balls to power New Zealand to 191/3 in their 20 overs. His knock was laced with 11 fours and seven maximums. McCullum’s knock helped New Zealand secure a comprehensive 59-run win in their Group D fixture.  

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