IPL History: The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for its electrifying T20 battle with each season featuring an extra layer of edge-of-the-seat thrilling contests, high-scoring run chases, and exceptional batting performances.
Starting from the inaugural season in 2008 to the 17th edition in 2024, several batters have achieved the remarkable feat of scoring an IPL century. There are a few players such as Chris Gayle, Yusuf Pathan, David Miller, and Travis Head on the list who scored the fastest ton by leaving no time for the opposition to bounce back from the assault against them. In comparison, batters like Will Jacks, Adam Gilchrist, Ab de Villiers, and David Warner have shown a mix of playing constructive and destructive innings over the years.
Let’s delve deeper to find out the list of the fastest centurions in IPL history who have accomplished this feat in less than 45 balls.
Chris Gayle: 30 Balls vs Pune Warriors India (PWI) in 2013
| Overall Runs Scored | Balls Faced | 4s and 6s | Strike Rate | Number of Balls Required to Reach Century |
| 175 Runs (not out) | 66 Balls | 13 Fours and 17 Sixes | 265.15 | 30 Balls |
The former West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle holds the record of smashing the fastest century in IPL history. His 66-ball-175 run knock for Royal Challengers Bengaluru steered the team’s total to 263-5 in 20 overs. The entire Pune team didn’t even manage to accumulate Gayle’s score by surrendering to a mere total of 133-9 in 20 overs, resulting in RCB securing a 130-run victory.
Yusuf Pathan: 37 Balls vs Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2010
| Overall Runs Scored | Balls Faced | 4s and 6s | Strike Rate | Number of Balls Required to Reach Century |
| 100 Runs | 37 Balls | 9 Fours and 8 Sixes | 270.27 | 37 Balls |
Considering the Indian players, Yusuf Pathan ranks at the top position for registering his IPL ton in just 37 balls against Mumbai Indians in 2010. However, Rajasthan Royals were well set till the 19th over before Yusuf’s dismissal resulting in losing the game by 4 runs as they managed to score 208-7 in 20 overs.
David Miller: 38 Balls vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 2013
| Overall Runs Scored | Balls Faced | 4s and 6s | Strike Rate | Number of Balls Required to Reach Century |
| 101 Runs (not out) | 38 Balls | 8 Fours and 7 Sixes | 265.78 | 38 Balls |
South African batter David Miller’s exceptional 38-ball-10 run knock against RCB helped Punjab Kings (PBKS) chase down a competitive target of 191 in just 18 overs with 6 wickets in hand. Despite the team being in a tricky situation, the right-handed batter didn’t compromise with his aggressive approach and maintained a 130-run consistent partnership with Rajagopal Sathish.
Travis Head: 39 Balls vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 2024
| Overall Runs Scored | Balls Faced | 4s and 6s | Strike Rate | Number of Balls Required to Reach Century |
| 102 Runs | 41 Balls | 9 Fours and 8 Sixes | 248.78 | 39 Balls |
Australian left-handed batter Travis Head became a valuable asset for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premeir League IPL 2024 and became the latest entrant to smash one of the fastest centuries in just 39 balls. His 41-ball-102 run knock against RCB guided SRH to post the highest total ever in IPL history.
Will Jacks: 41 Balls vs Gujarat Titans (GT) in 2024
| Overall Runs Scored | Balls Faced | 4s and 6s | Strike Rate | Number of Balls Required to Reach Century |
| 100 Runs (not out) | 41 | 5 Fours and 10 Sixes | 243.90 | 41 Balls |
Chasing a target of 201 against Gujarat Titans, Will Jacks stitched a 166-run partnership with Virat Kohli. As a result, RCB conveniently accomplished the winning total in just 16 overs riding on the English all-rounder’s maiden 41-ball IPL century.
Adam Gilchrist: 42 Balls vs Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2008
| Overall Runs Scored | Balls Faced | 4s and 6s | Strike Rate | Number of Balls Required to Reach Century |
| 109 runs (not out) | 47 Balls | 9 Fours and 10 Sixes | 231.91 | 42 Balls |
Former Australian captain Adam Gilchrist, who played for Deccan Chargers in the inaugural season, scored a 42-ball century. His quickfire brand of knock helped chase down 155 runs in 20 overs against Mumbai Indians, securing an easy 10-wicket victory.
Ab de Villiers: 43 Balls vs Gujarat Lions (GL) in 2016
| Overall Runs Scored | Balls Faced | 4s and 6s | Strike Rate | Number of Balls Required to Reach Century |
| 133 Runs (not out) | 59 Balls | 19 Fours and 4 Sixes | 225.42 | 43 Balls |
Despite the instant dismissal of opening batter Chris Gayle, RCB still managed to post 248-3 in 20 overs. Ab de Villiers accomplished his century within 43 balls and maintained a 229-run partnership with Virat Kohli. Also, it was the first time in IPL history that two batters scored a ton in the same inning.
David Warner: 43 Balls vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2017
| Overall Runs Scored | Balls Faced | 4s and 6s | Strike Rate | Number of Balls Required to Reach Century |
| 126 Runs | 59 Balls | 10 Fours and 8 Sixes | 213.55 | 43 Balls |
The former Australian batter David Warner becomes the joint seventh-fastest centurion along with Ab de Villiers to achieve a 43-ball hundred against Kolkata Knight Riders that helped propel Sunrisers Hyderabad to post 209-3 in 20 overs. Ultimately, the team under his captaincy achieved a 48-run victory restricting KKR to 161-7 in 20 overs.
