Ever wonder how a player turns a 20‑over game into a personal milestone? Scoring a century in T20 is rare, dramatic and instantly famous. In this guide we’ll look at the biggest T20 centuries, the players who made them, and what you can learn to chase your own 100.
The fastest 100 in T20 history came from Chris Gayle, who smashed 100 runs off just 30 balls in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2013 match for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Gayle’s blast included 13 sixes and 4 fours – a perfect example of pure power hitting. Right after that, Aaron Finch broke the IPL record with a 100 off 35 balls for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014, proving that speed isn’t the only route – consistency matters too.
Other names that pop up when you talk about fast centuries are Kieron Pollard (45‑ball 100) and Rilee Rossouw (45 balls in a domestic T20). All of them share a common trait: they look for every loose ball and turn it into a boundary. That mindset is the first lesson for any aspiring centurion.
Scoring 100 in a 20‑over format isn’t about playing long innings; it’s about timing, power and smart shot selection. Here are three practical steps you can try in practice or matches:
1. Pick the right moments to attack. Don’t try to hit every ball over the fence. Identify the bowlers who are giving you loose deliveries – usually the spinner in the middle overs or a fast bowler missing his line. Attack those balls hard and let the other bowlers be your steady companions.
2. Master the scoop and ramp shots. Modern T20 cricket rewards innovative strokes. Practicing the scoop over the wicketkeeper or the ramp over the fine leg opens up extra scoring zones. When you can use these shots, you add 2‑3 extra runs per over without risking a catch.
3. Rotate the strike efficiently. Even the biggest hitters need singles to keep the scoreboard moving. Aim for a strike rate of 150+ while still taking a single every over. That balance keeps the pressure on the fielding side and sets you up for a big finish.
Remember, a T20 century also depends on the match situation. If your team needs 150 in the last 10 overs, a quick 100 can seal the win. If you’re chasing a modest target, a slower, controlled century might be safer. Adapt your approach based on the required run rate.
Fans love the drama of a T20 century because it changes a game in seconds. Whether you’re watching the IPL, the Big Bash, or a local league, the excitement is the same: a single over can swing the result. Keep an eye on the upcoming tournaments – new talents keep breaking records, and the next fastest 100 could be just around the corner.
In short, a T20 century is a blend of power, timing, and game awareness. Study the legends, practice the key shots, and stay ready to pounce on every mistake the bowler makes. Your own 100‑run knock might just be one boundary away.
Sahibzada Farhan smashed his fourth T20 hundred of 2025, joining Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, Jos Buttler, and Shubman Gill as the only players with four T20 centuries in a calendar year. His 106 off 52 for Islamabad United against Peshawar Zalmi powered a 243/5 total in Rawalpindi. Farhan’s fourth ton comes after three in the National T20 Cup, where he scored 588 runs in six innings.
Details +