KOLKATA: New Zealand opener Finn Allen made history with a 33-ball century in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 against South Africa at the Eden Gardens here on Wednesday.
Allen scored an unbeaten 100 off 33 balls with 10 fours and 8 sixes in a crushing nine-wicket win, leading the Blackcaps to the 20-a-side final and was named man of the match.
His 33-ball century in the recently concluded knockout match against South Africa is now the fastest century in Men’s T20 World Cup history, breaking the long-standing record of West Indies’ Chris Gayle’s 47-ball century against England in the 2016 edition.
Gayle has two spots on the elusive list, including England captain Harry Brook’s 50-ball century against Pakistan in the Super Eight stage of the ongoing mega event, while his head coach, former New Zealand opener Brendon McCullum, remains in the top five with a 51-ball century against Bangladesh.
Fastest Centuries in Men’s T20 World Cup
- Finn Allen (New Zealand) – 33 balls against South Africa in 2026
- Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 47 balls against England in 2016
- Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 50 balls against South Africa in 2007
- Harry Brook (England) – 50 balls against Pakistan in 2026
- Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) – 51 balls against Bangladesh in 2012
It is also the joint third-fastest century in T20Is overall, tied with Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza and Namibia’s John Nicoll Lofty-Eaton.
Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan scored a century off 27 balls and set the record for the fastest century in men’s T20Is when he scored a century off 28 balls against Bulgaria in July last year.
Fastest Centuries in Men’s T20Is