Fastest 100's in Men's T20 World Cup: Scoring a century in a World Cup is a huge moment for any batsman as it will be etched in history for a long time. With T20s being the game's shortest format, scoring a hundred in T20 World Cup is always considered a big knock.
Chris Gayle holds the record for the fastest 100's in T20 World Cup (and fastest 100 in T20), while David Miller holds the record for the fastest century in T20 international. Miller shares the record with India's Rohit Sharma and Sudesh Wickramasekara of Czech Republic.
Meanwhile, Protea batter Rilee Rossouw scored the first century of T20 World Cup 2022. He made 109 runs off 56 balls including 7 fours and 8 sixes. This is now 4th on the list of fastest 100's in T20 World Cup.
Chris Gayle is the only player to have scored 2 centuries in T20 World Cup history. He also holds the record for smashing the fastest century in T20 World Cup. While chasing a target of 183 against England in Mumbai, Gayle played a fiery innings of 100* in just 47 balls, which included 5 fours and 11 sixes. West Indies won the match by 6 wickets.
The first century in a T20 World Cup match was scored by none other than the Universe Boss Chris Gayle. In the very first match of the 2007 World T20, Gayle made 117 off just 57 balls against the hosts South Africa in Johannesburg. His century came off just 50 balls. This remains the only hundred in the T20 World Cup to be scored in a losing cause.
Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum holds the record for the highest score by a player in the T20 World Cup history. McCullum played a mind-boggling knock of 123 runs off just 58 balls against Bangladesh in Pallekele, 2012. His hundred came off just 51 balls. McCullum's marvelous innings helped New Zealand win the match by 59 runs.
Rilee Rossouw became the first South Africa cricketer to score a century in the T20 World Cup as he led the side to a win over Bangladesh in 2022 T20 World Cup. Rossouw's 109 was packed with 7 fours and 8 sixes and led the team to a huge total of 205 runs, which they defended easily. He is the second player to score a T20I century in back to back matches.
Ahmed Shehzad became the only Pakistan player to score a century in the T20 World Cup. During the Pakistan vs Bangladesh match in the 2014 edition of the T20 World Cup, Shehzad opened the batting and scored a masterful century off just 58 balls. His 111-run knock included 10 fours and 5 sixes and led to a comfortable victory by 50 runs.
ICC tournaments hosted by India – History & Highlights
Explore the rich history and unforgettable highlights of all ICC tournaments hosted by India. Relive the iconic wins and heartbreaking defeats, and see how the nation shaped the sport. A must-read for fans.
India is a nation where cricket is not just a sport but a religion. The crowd, the stadiums, and most importantly, the passion for cricket that the vibrant atmosphere brings, have made every ICC tournament hosted on Indian soil unforgettable.
Therefore, when it comes to hosting ICC tournaments, India delivers an experience like no other.
This article will take you through the history and highlights of ICC tournaments hosted by India that captivated millions.
ICC Men's Cricket World Cup
India lifts the ICC World Cup for the second time in 2011 after a victory over Sri Lanka. Image | Mint
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, inaugurated in 1975, has had 13 seasons so far. Out of which, India hosted the tournament 4 times, in the years: 1987, 1996, 2011, 2023. They are also scheduled to host the 2031 season, alongside Bangladesh.
Here's the detailed highlight of each year:
1987: First edition in India, co-hosted with Pakistan
The 1987 Cricket World Cup was the first time the tournament was held outside England. It was known as the "Reliance Cup" due to sponsorship and was also the first 50-over WC, reduced from 60 overs in previous editions.
Co-hosted with Pakistan, India topped the group stage and had a great season. However, they were eliminated in the semi-finals by England at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
The Final was played at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata, between Australia and England. Australia won their first title and lifted the World Cup with pride on Indian soil.
1996: Second edition with co-hosts Pakistan and Sri Lanka
This edition was hosted by India, along with Pakistan and Sri Lanka. India faced a controversial semi-final defeatagainst Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. It was caused due to crowd disturbance and India's collapsing run chase, which ultimately led to the game being abandoned.
Sri Lanka won their first WC title by defeating Australia and became the first co-host to do so.
2011: India's home triumph
Co-hosted with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, this was India's ultimate dream and crowning moment. Led by MS Dhoni, India had a dominant campaign and went on to win the World Cup, defeating Sri Lanka in a memorable final.
India became the first team to win the World Cup on home soil. The fact that the final match was held at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, makes it even more special. The roar of the crowd, legendary performances, and the winning six will be forever etched in the hearts of millions.
The final was also the first time two Asian teams played against each other in the tournament's history.
2023: India's unfulfilled dream and heartbreak on home soil
As sole host, India delivered a spectacular performance throughout the tournament. They dominated every opponent in the group stage and the semi-final, without losing a single match across all venues.
However, despite their brilliant efforts, they lost to the Australian side in the final, held at the world's largest stadium, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. This was a major heartbreak for the team and fans, who dreamed of a home victory after 12 years.
Virat Kohli was named the player of the tournament, setting a new record for most runs in a single WC edition, and Mohammed Shami was the leading wicket-taker.
ICC Men's T20 World Cup
An emotional Virat Kohli walkes off the field after their semi-final defeat against West Indies. Image | ESPNcricinfo
India has formally hosted the ICC Men's T20 World Cuptwice. Here's a summary of those tournaments:
2016: A carnival of T20 cricket on Indian soil
India battled through every match brilliantly in the season with a great squad. However, their journey ended in the semi-final with a high-scoring loss against the West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
This season was a special one and delivered many dramatic, nail-biting encounters. The final match, held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, is also popular for its thrilling finish, where Carlos Brathwaite hit four consecutive sixes to seal the victory for WI against England.
2021: India's hostship amidst global challenges (Held in UAE & Oman)
Although India was the designated host, the tournament was moved to the UAE and Oman due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation in India. They also had a disappointing campaign, failing to qualify for the semi-finals.
ICC Men's Champions Trophy
Rahul Dravid and Ricky Ponting shaking hands before a match in 2006 Champions Trophy. Image | NewsBytes
India officially hosted the ICC Men's Champions Trophyonce, in 2006, and is set to host the 2029 edition.
2006: India's first and only edition as hosts
This was the fifth edition of the Champions Trophy and the first time India had the sole hosting rights. They had a disappointing start to the season and failed to progress beyond the group stage, leading to an early exit.
The tournament featured 10 teams, and the Australian side, led by Ricky Ponting, emerged as champions.
ICC Women's Cricket World Cup
Australia lifting their 6th WC title with their win in 2013 World Cup. Image | Olympics.com
India has hosted the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup3 times, in the years 1978, 1997, and 2013. They are also scheduled to co-host the 2025 season.
This was India's debut World Cup appearance as well as the first time hosting the tournament. They lost all three matches against Australia, England, and New Zealand in the round-robin format, and finished fourth (last).
This was the first time the tournament was being hosted outside England.
1997: A record-breaking season in India
This was the largest Women's World Cup at that time, featuring 11 teams and 32 matches across various venues in India. India put up a strong fight, but was defeated by Australia in the semis.
The final at Eden Gardens attracted a significant crowd, showcasing the growing interest in women's cricket. Australia won their fourth WC title, and their second on Indian soil.
2013: India's early exit in the home tournament
This edition saw several close matches throughout the group stage. India, as hosts, had a disappointing campaign and failed to go beyond the group stage. Yet again, Australia secured their sixth WC title, and the 3rd on Indian soil.
ICC Women's T20 World Cup
WI-W lifting the 2016 T20 World Cup trophy. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The ICC Women's T20 World Cup, organised in 2009, has conducted 9 seasons so far. India has hosted the tournament once, in 2016.
2016: A global showcase of women's T20 cricket in India
This tournament, held alongside the Men's T20 World Cup, served as a significant platform. India had a challenging season, winning only a single match against Bangladesh and losing the remaining ones.
West Indies emerged as champions in an intense final against Australia and lifted their first T20 World Cup title.
Who scored the fastest century in T20 World Cups? Explore the top records and Chris Gayle's sole dominance in this electrifying list of players with quickest ton.
Players with the ability to go big in the shortest format, like T20 and the grandest stage, like the World Cup, are something special. Over the years, we have witnessed several rapid-fire hundreds. But who scored the fastest century in the T20 World Cups among them?
It is time to find out who did it quicker than anyone else in this high-stakes tournament. Here's the list of players and their fastest ton feats for you to check:
Chris Gayle: Etching his name twice in history (47-ball and 50-ball record)
Chris Gayle celebrating his fastest century in 2016 T20 World Cup against England.
Fastest century: in 47 balls vs ENG (2016)
Second-fastest: in 50 balls vs SA (2007)
The West Indies legend, Chris Gayle, remarkably holds not just one, but the top two records for the fastest centuries in the T20 World Cup. He set the bar so high with his explosive batting qualities that no one dared to come closer.
His record-shattering fastest century came in 2016 edition against England, where he scored a century in only 47 balls. He hit 5 fours and 11 sixes with a strike rate above 200! He was also unbeaten and chased down the total to contribute to the 6-wicket victory.
Adding to his legacy, Gayle occupies the 2nd rank as well in this prestigious list, with his century in the 2007 T20 World Cup in 50 balls. This was his first century in the history of the tournament, and was the fastest for 9 years until he broke his own record.
Gayle's fearless approach and ability to change the course of a match are what set him apart from the rest at the highest level.
Brendon McCullum celebrates his century against Bangladesh in 2012 T20 WC. Image | Mint
The New Zealand powerhouse, Brendon McCullum, stands third on this list with a blistering century off just 51 balls against Bangladesh in the 2012 T20 World Cup. This was his first-ever and the only century in the tournament's history.
It was also a historic moment for his nation, as it was the first time a New Zealand batter scored a century in T20 World Cup, setting a high standard for his countrymen.
4. Rilee Rossouw (52 balls) vs BAN | 2022
Rossouw celebrates his century against Bangladesh in 2022 T20 WC. Image | Instagram
South Africa's Rilee Rossouw smashed his maiden T20 World Cup century in 52 balls, which is the fourth-highest so far. He helped the Proteas set a huge total of 205 on the board, making things difficult for Bangladesh in the second innings, and eventually winning in the end.
Ahmed Shehzad celebrates his fastest T20 World Cup century. Image | NDTV
Ahmed Shehzad registered Pakistan's fastest T20 World Cup century, scoring it in 58 balls against Bangladesh in 2014. He opened for the team and stayed unbeaten till the end, helping them build a strong total at a crucial time.
Despite a middle-order collapse, he saved the situation and converted it into a victory.
6. Suresh Raina (59 balls) vs SA | 2010
Raina celebrates his fastest T20 WC century against SA in 2010. Image | Facebook
Suresh Raina's explosive 59-ball century against South Africa in the 2010 T20 WC places him among the fastest centurions. He is the only Indian batter in the list to score a hundred in less than 60 balls.
What made this knock more memorable is the fact that this was his first T20 World Cup century.
Alex Hales celebrates his 60-ball century in 2010 T20 WC. Image | Sportstar
Alex Hales brought up his hundred for England in 60 balls against Sri Lanka in 2014. His performance was a blend of calculated aggression and elegant striking.
He picked up the team after the fall of early wickets and chased down a huge total by staying till the end, which resulted in a 6-wicket victory.
8. Tamim Iqbal (60 balls) vs OMA | 2016
Tamim Iqbal's celebration of joy after scoring a century against Oman in 2016 T20 WC. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Tamim Iqbal stands as the only Bangladeshi batter to score a century in the T20 World Cup to date. His century also made it to the Top 10 fastest centuries and equalled the 60-ball mark as Hales.
This performance was crucial for the nation's campaign in the 2016 edition and also transformed him into a great limited-overs opener.
9. Glenn Phillips (61 balls) vs Sri Lanka | 2022
Glenn Phillips' celebration after his century against SL in 2010 T20 WC. Image | BBC
New Zealand's "Zippy," Glenn Phillips, added his name to the fastest century list with a 61-ball hundred againstSri Lanka in the 2022 edition. This knock marked his second century in T20 Internationals.
In a display of aggressive but controlled batting, Phillips proved to be crucial for his nation, cementing his place as a dynamic T20 batter.
Jayawardene celebrates his century against Zimbabwe in 2010 T20 WC. Image | X
Mahela Jayawardene, the elegant Sri Lankan maestro, scored a rapid 63-ball century against Zimbabwe in the 2010 T20 World Cup. His innings, a display of his class and ability to accelerate when needed, was a key factor in his team's strong record.
This century was also Sri Lanka's first in the T20 World Cup history.
The most devastating bowling spell in the history of T20 WC is Ajantha Mendis' 6-wicket haul in 2012. Read the full article to know in depth and discover the best bowling spells in T20 World Cups.
Bowling contribution in a format like T20 matters a lot. One single good spell can crush the opponent down and turn the game completely in a blink. The T20 World Cup is a stage where some truly legendary bowlers have delivered such game-changer spells that are remembered for years!
So, let's take a look at such a fabulous class and display of bowling that goes down in history. Here are the best bowling spells in T20 World Cups:
1. Ajantha Mendis (6/8 in 4 overs) vs ZIM | 2012
Ajantha Mendis celebrating a wicket against Zimbabwe in T20 WC 2012. Image | Firstpost
Wickets taken: 6
Runs conceded: 8
Overs: 4.0
Maidens: 2
Economy: 2.0
The Sri Lankan mystery spinner, Ajantha Mendis, holds the record for the best bowling spell in T20 World Cup history. Playing against Zimbabwe in 2012, he achieved this feat with his carrom ball and variations, tearing through their batting lineup.
Mendis bowled 4 overs, two of which were maidens, conceding only 8 runs while picking up 6 wickets. With this extraordinary performance, he became the first and only bowler to deliver a 6-wicket haul in the T20 World Cup.
He is deserving of all the credit for Sri Lanka's dominant victory in the match and for ending the contest single-handedly.
Rangana Herath celebrating after a dismissal against New Zealand in 2014 T20 World Cup. Image | Facebook
Wickets taken: 5
Runs conceded: 3
Overs: 3.3
Maidens: 2
Economy: 0.85
Another spinner from Sri Lanka, Rangana Herath, has secured his position right at the 2nd spot for best bowling spells in T20 World Cups. His spell was full of unbelievable control and precision, which did not let New Zealand chase down a mere target of 120 runs.
Herath's destructive spell fetched him 5 wickets in only 3.3 overs, with two maidens. He took the first three wickets without conceding a single run, and later gave away only 2 more runs!
His match-winning efforts collapsed the strong middle order and sealed the victory. This was a very special spell, that too, coming in the same year when Sri Lanka lifted the T20 World Cup for the first time (2014).
3. Umar Gul (5/6 in 3 overs) vs NZ | 2009
Umar Gul celebrates a wicket against New Zealand in 2009 T20 World Cup. Image | X
Wickets taken: 5
Runs conceded: 6
Overs: 3.0
Maidens: 0
Economy: 2.00
The Pakistani pacer Umar Gul's performance against New Zealand in the 2009 T20 World Cup stands out as one of the most destructive fast-bowlingspells in the tournament's history. His pinpoint yorkers and smart changes in pace dismissed the batters in quick succession.
In just 3 overs, Gul picked up 5 wickets, conceding only 6 runs. His contribution helped them restrict the opponent to 99 runs in the first innings, and he eventually bagged him the POTM trophy after their one-sided victory.
Most sixes in T20 Internationals in 2025 so far (men & women)
Discover who's dominating the charts for most sixes in T20 internationals in 2025 so far. Get the latest six-hitting stats for men's and women's category in the game of cricket.
The T20I circuit in 2025 has already seen an explosion of sixes from both men and women. In a fast-paced format like this, only players with exceptional hitting abilities thrive.
From established names to emerging talents, here comes the list of most sixes in T20 Internationals in 2025 so far. See who has consistently cleared the ropes, smashing the ball out of the field of play for a six!
Most sixes in T20 Internationals in 2025 so far (Men's)
Abhishek Sharma hitting a flat six while representing India in T20Is. Image | Starbiopic
It is impressive to see players from nations not widely considered as cricketing powerhouses making their way up in the six-hitting charts. For instance, Karanbir Singh of Austria is leading the list with 40 sixes in 2025 so far.
Other players like Jermaine Baker and Yuvraj Samra are also ahead of the list from the worldwide cricket giants. Then comes the emerging star of India, Abhishek Sharma, who seals the 4th place with 24 sixes in just 5 innings and has the potential to move further on top.
Most sixes in T20 Internationals in 2025 so far (Women's)
Deandra Dottin hitting the ball out of the ground for a six during a T20I match. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The West Indies power-hitter Deandra Dottin is currently leading the charts with 12 sixes in only 3 innings in WT20Is. This is not a surprise coming from the player with the record of fastest century in T20Is.
Youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century
Sachin Tendulkar leads the inspiring list of youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century, with his unbeaten 119 against England in 1990. Discover who else achieved this milestone at an young age.
Every young cricketer dreams of scoring a century for their nation on an international stage. But for a precious few, that dream became a jaw-dropping reality early in their careers.
India has been gifted with such memorable centuries by youngsters who later turned out to be cricketing legends. We are talking about Sachin Tendulkar and his unmatched legacy in the list of the youngest Indians to score an international century.
Check out the other names that follow up with their quality batting skills.
1. Sachin Tendulkar (17 years 107 days) | 1990
Saching Tendulkar getting praised by fellow cricketers as he walks down after his unbeaten 119 against ENG in 1990. | Mint
Sachin Tendulkar is the youngest Indian cricketer ever and the 3rd youngestoverall to score an international century with his maiden century at Old Trafford, in August 1990. At just 17 years and 107 days old, he scored an unbeaten 119 in the fourth innings, helping India to save the Test match against England.
Sachin not only announced his arrival on the global stage with this knock, but also helped India secure a draw in the test.
Prithvi Shaw celebrating his maiden Test century in 2018. Image | Instagram
Prithvi Shaw became the youngest Indian to score a century on Test debut and the second-youngest in this list of international centuries with his knock against the West Indies in October 2018. He was only 18 years and 329 days old at that time.
He reached his hundred in 99 balls and scored 134 runs in that innings, which marked a spectacular test debut.
3. Kapil Dev (20 years 18 days) | 1979
Kapil Dev representing India in tests. Image | Khel Now
India's legendary all-rounder, Kapil Dev, holds the third place with his century against the West Indies on home soil in 1979. It was his first test century, at the age of 20 years and 18 days. He was 126 not out in the particular innings.
4. Abbas Ali Baig (20 years 126 days) | 1959
Abbas Ali Baig representing India. Image | Getty Images
Abbas Ali Baig scored his first test century at the age of 20 years and 126 days against England in July 1959. This made him the first Indian to score a century on Test debut outside India and the fourth youngest centurion in this elite list.
Apart from his brilliant achievements in the field of cricket, he is also famously remembered for being kissed by a female fan during a Test match in Bombay.
Madhav Apte batting in a cricket match. Image | Facebook
The former Indian test opener, Madhav Apte, scored his only test century at the age of 20 years 137 days in January 1953 against the West Indies. He made 163 not out in the fifth test of the series.
Despite the impressive century and a good tour, his Test career was surprisingly short-lived, playing only 7 tests.
6. Ajay Ratra (20 years 148 days) | 2002
Ajay Ratra representing India in tests. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Ajay Ratra is a former wicket-keeper batter who also had a short-lived test career, comprising 6 test matches. However, he scored an impactful century at only 20 years and 148 days of age, which puts him in the 6th place for the youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century.
He scored this in May 2002 against the West Indies and helped India secure a draw on a flat pitch.
7. Ravi Shastri (20 years 248 days) | 1983
Ravi Shastri in action for India in tests. Image | BBC
Ravi Shastri scored his first test century in January 1983 at the age of 20 years and 248 days. He scored 128 in that innings against Pakistan's strong pace attack led by Imran Khan.
This innings transitioned him into an opening batsman, showcasing his finest skills and ability to adapt.
Vijay Manjrekar playing for India. Image| ESPNcricinfo
Vijay Manjrekar delivered a key performance on the international stage early in his career with his Test century against England in 1952. At the age of 20 years and 253 days, he stood elegantly against a great English bowling attack.
9. Gundappa Viswanath (20 years 276 days) | 1969
Gundappa Viswanath representing India in tests. Image | LatestLY
Gundappa Viswanath holds the 9th position with his maiden Test century against Australia in 1969, when he was 20 years and 276 days old. After a duck in his first innings, he bounced back with a magnificent 136 runs in the second innings.
This knock brought him into the limelight at an early age, and also helped the nation see his ability to score underpressure.
Rishabh Pant celebrating his maiden Test century in 2018 against England. Image | DNA
Rishabh Pant's aggressive and fearless approach came into light with his maiden Test century at 20 years and 338 days of age, making his way to the Top 10 youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century.
With this performance in 2018, Pant also became the first Indian wicket-keeper to score a test century in England.