T20 cricket is widely regarded as the most entertaining format of the game. Statistics indicate that fans enjoy T20 matches more than Tests or ODIs. Scoring a century in T20 Internationals is a challenging feat for any batter due to the limited 120 balls per innings, requiring players to score quickly. However, there have been centuries achieved at a slower pace in T20Is.
Here’s a look at the top 10 slowest centuries in T20 Internationals:
1. Martin Guptill (69 Balls)
New Zealand’s right-handed batter Martin Guptill has been one of the most consistent performers in T20 Internationals, where he is the highest run-scorer for his country. During New Zealand’s 2012 tour of South Africa, Guptill scored the slowest T20I century in history. Chasing 165 runs in the second T20, Guptill’s 101 off 60 balls ensured an eight-wicket victory for New Zealand.
2. Morne van Wyk (67 Balls)
Former South African batter Morne van Wyk scored the second slowest T20I century against West Indies in 2015. Starting the innings, Van Wyk clubbed 114 runs in 70 balls, with nine fours and seven sixes. He reached a century off 67 balls, his effort enabling South Africa to win by a whopping 69 runs.
3. Rohit Sharma (64 balls)
Rohit Sharma’s highest score in T20Is came against Afghanistan. Though India had lost a few wickets cheaply, Rohit stabilized the innings with a key partnership alongside Rinku Singh. He did that in the 19th over, a knock of 100 in 64 balls that helped India 212. It was finally decided in two super overs, with India winning the match.
4. Mahela Jayawardene (63 balls)
Mahela Jayawardene, one of Sri Lanka’s finest cricketers, scored his first T20I century during the 2010 ICC T20 World Cup. Against Zimbabwe, Jayawardene made 100 from 64 balls and completed his century in 63 balls. This innings helped Sri Lanka post a target of 138 with a 14-run win.
5. Rohit Sharma (62 Balls)
In 2015, during South Africa’s tour of India, Rohit Sharma scored a magnificent 106 off 66 balls in the first T20I at Dharamshala. He reached his century in 62 balls, helping India post a total of 200. However, South Africa chased the target with ease, thanks to match-winning performances from AB de Villiers and JP Duminy.
6. Alex Hales (60 Balls)
England’s Alex Hales became the first English batter to score a T20I century during the 2014 T20 World Cup. Chasing 189 against Sri Lanka, Hales smashed an unbeaten 116 off 64 balls, completing his century in 60 deliveries. His incredible innings led England to a six-wicket victory.
7. Shane Watson (60 Balls)
Australia’s all-rounder Shane Watson scored his maiden T20I century against India in 2016. In the third T20I, Watson played a sensational knock of 124 off 71 balls, reaching his century in 60 balls. Despite his heroics, India won the match by seven wickets.
8. Tamim Iqbal (60 Balls)
Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal scored his first T20I century during the 2016 T20 World Cup against Oman. His knock of 103 runs off 63 balls, with a century completed in 60 deliveries, helped Bangladesh post a big total and win the match by 54 runs.
9. Shaiman Anwar (60 Balls)
Shaiman Anwar, representing the UAE, became the first player from his country to score a T20I century. Playing against PNG in 2017, Anwar smashed 117 runs, completing his century in 60 balls. His innings guided the UAE to a 30-run victory.
10. Suresh Raina (59 Balls)
Suresh Raina was the first Indian batter to score a T20I century, achieving the milestone during the 2010 ICC T20 World Cup against South Africa. Raina’s 101 off 60 balls, with his century coming in 59 deliveries, helped India set a target of 187, which South Africa failed to chase. India won the match by 14 runs.
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