5 Record-Breaking Fastest Centuries in the T20 World Cup History

Starting from the inaugural edition of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, there have been countless exciting performances in terms of batting and bowling.

Particularly, batters have bagged the spotlight with their electrifying performances in the shortest format. Their explosive performances converted promising starts into high-scoring triple-figure knocks in an inning.

In the recently concluded semi-finals, New Zealand’s Finn Allen and England’s Jacob Bethell have rewritten records by scoring top-notch quickfire centuries.

As the T20 World Cup 2026 progresses into the final, here are the top five fastest Centuries ever in the tournament’s history so far.

1. Finn Allen (NEW ZEALAND): 33-Ball-Century vs South Africa

The first semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2026 saw New Zealand opener Finn Allen score an unbeaten century off 33 balls against South Africa. He batted at a strike rate of 303.03 that included a maximum of 10 fours and 8 sixes.

The Black Caps secured a 9-wicket win by conveniently chasing down the 170-run target with 50 balls to spare at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Tim Seifert’s 58-run knock off 33 balls (including 7 fours and 2 sixes) laid a solid start in a high-pressure run chase. However, Allen’s knock not only blew apart South Africa’s bowling attack but also eliminated the strongest team from the tournament.

2. Jacob Bethell (ENGLAND): 45-Ball-Century vs India

The recent inclusion in the elite list is none other than England’s middle-order batter Jacob Bethell.

During the second semi-final match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 between England and India, the 22-year-old required only 45 balls to achieve his maiden century in the T20I format.

Having batted at a strike rate of 218.75, Bethell scored a rapid 48-ball-105-run knock that included 8 fours and 7 sixes.

This is one such innings that could reshape the young batter’s T20I career. Despite the lack of intent from the top and middle order, Jacob’s knock pressured the opponent team in a 250+ run chase.

Even though England fell short by 7 runs to accomplish the required mammoth target, his performance would be etched in the history of T20 World Cup knockouts.

3. Chris Gayle (WEST INDIES): 47-Ball-Century vs England

The Super 10 match of the T20 World Cup 2026 between England and West Indies saw Chris Gayle scoring his second T20I century in just 47 balls. He batted at a strike rate of 208.33 and smashed 5 fours and 11 sixes to his name.

Windies comfortably pulled off a 6-wicket victory with 11 balls remaining. Gayle’s unbeaten ton single-handedly anchored the chase against England’s dominant bowling attack at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. 

4. Chris Gayle (WEST INDIES): 50-Ball-Century vs South Africa

Notably, Chris Gayle was the first to smash the fastest centuries in the T20 World Cup 2007. His 50-ball ton against the hosting nation, South Africa, propelled the Windies to compile 205/8 in 20 overs in the group stages.

The Caribbean batter struck the ball at a rate of 205.26 and amassed 117 runs off 57 balls (including 7 fours and 10 sixes) at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg.

However, Gayle’s fabulous knock in the first innings turned out to be of no benefit following his team’s lackluster bowling attack. As a consequence, Proteas chased down the 206-run target with an 8-wicket victory and 14 balls to spare.

5. Harry Brook (ENGLAND): 50-Ball Century vs Pakistan

England skipper Harry Brook held his nerves by scoring a 50-ball ton against Pakistan in the Super Eight fixture of the T20 World Cup 2026.

A mediocre 165-run target was not at all easy to chase, particularly on a tricky pitch at the Pallekele stadium and against Pakistan’s strong bowling attack.

Despite the quickfall of wickets, Brook maintained composure with his maiden T20I century, having struck 10 fours and 4 sixes to his name at a strike rate of 196.08.

The 27-year old batted at No.3, and his performance was crucial to steer his team to a thrilling 2-wicket victory with 5 balls to spare. Also, Brook’s match-winning knock helped England secure a spot in the tournament’s semi-final.

Also Read: Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule: Revealing Match Dates, Venue, and Teams

Overall List of Fastest Centuries in T20 World Cup ft. Finn Allen

In summary, here is a list of the top five centuries scored by these batters in the history of the 20 World Cups: