Since its beginning in 2007, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has delivered countless unforgettable batting performances. Yet every once in a while, an innings comes along that completely redefines what fans think is possible in the shortest format. That’s exactly what happened in the 2026 semi-final when New Zealand’s explosive opener Finn Allen produced one of the most astonishing knocks the tournament has ever seen.
On March 4, 2026, under the bright lights of Eden Gardens, Allen tore apart the South African bowling attack and smashed the fastest century in T20 World Cup history. He reached the milestone in just 33 balls, rewriting the record books and eclipsing a mark that had stood for a decade. The previous benchmark belonged to West Indies icon Chris Gayle, whose fearless hitting had long defined power batting in the tournament. Allen’s incredible effort now sits at the top of a list featuring some of the fastest hundreds the competition has ever witnessed.
Here are the top 5 fastest centuries in the history of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup:
5) Brendon McCullum – 51 balls vs Bangladesh (2012)
New Zealand’s reputation for fearless batting in global tournaments was strengthened by their former captain Brendon McCullum during the 2012 edition of the T20 World Cup. Playing against Bangladesh at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, McCullum delivered a masterclass in controlled aggression.
Coming in at number three, he dismantled the bowling attack with clean hitting all around the ground. McCullum raced to his century in just 51 balls and eventually finished with a breathtaking 123 from 58 deliveries. His innings included 11 fours and seven towering sixes. What made the knock even more remarkable was that New Zealand’s total reached 191/3 largely because of him – McCullum alone scored 123 runs while the rest of the batting lineup contributed just 68.
3) Harry Brook – 50 balls vs Pakistan (2026)
England’s modern white-ball revolution has produced several fearless hitters, and their captain Harry Brook added his name to the history books in the 2026 edition of the tournament. Facing Pakistan during the Super Eight stage at Pallekele, Brook walked in early and completely changed the momentum of the game.
Chasing a challenging target of 167, the young English skipper played with remarkable composure and authority. Brook brought up his century in only 50 balls, striking 10 fours and 4 sixes. His innings was historic for another reason as well – he became the first captain ever to score a century in a T20 World Cup match. England eventually sealed a thrilling two-wicket victory, and Brook’s knock proved crucial in keeping their title hopes alive.
3) Chris Gayle – 50 balls vs South Africa (2007)
The very first T20 World Cup in 2007 produced a moment that changed the perception of T20 cricket forever. Opening the batting for West Indies, the legendary Chris Gayle blasted his way into history against host nation South Africa in Johannesburg.
Gayle reached his century in exactly 50 balls and finished with a stunning 117 from 57 deliveries. The innings was historic because it became the first century ever scored in international T20 cricket. Along with Devon Smith, Gayle added 145 runs for the opening wicket and helped West Indies post a massive 205/6. Although South Africa managed to chase down the target in a thrilling contest, Gayle’s innings became one of the defining moments of early T20 cricket.
2) Chris Gayle – 47 balls vs England (2016)
Nearly a decade later, Gayle once again proved why he earned the nickname ‘Universe Boss.’ During the 2016 tournament at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium, the West Indian superstar delivered another unforgettable performance.
Chasing a daunting total of 183 against England, Gayle unleashed a brutal counterattack. He brought up his hundred in just 47 balls and remained unbeaten on 100 from 48 deliveries. His innings featured 11 fours and five massive sixes and guided West Indies to a comfortable six-wicket victory. For the next ten years, this remained the fastest century in T20 World Cup history.
1) Finn Allen – 33 balls vs South Africa (2026)
Then came the night that rewrote history. In the semi-final of the 2026 tournament, Finn Allen produced an innings that stunned players, commentators, and fans alike.
Chasing a target of 170, Allen and fellow opener Tim Seifert launched an aggressive assault right from the start. Allen raced to his half-century in just 19 balls – the fastest fifty ever recorded in a T20 World Cup knockout match. But he was far from done.
In the next 14 balls, he completed his century, reaching three figures in an astonishing 33 deliveries. His unbeaten 100 included 10 fours and eight towering sixes and came at a jaw-dropping strike rate of over 300. The opening partnership with Seifert produced 117 runs as New Zealand chased down the target in just 12.5 overs, securing a dominant nine-wicket victory and booking their place in the final.
Allen’s explosive knock not only broke Gayle’s long-standing record but also set a new benchmark for power hitting in T20 cricket – one that may stand for years to come.
