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In the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, centuries are not just milestones; they are statements of intent, showcasing the explosive power and skill of the batsman. Recently, Punjab’s Abhishek Sharma electrified the cricketing community by scoring a blistering century off just 28 balls during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024. This remarkable feat not only highlighted his talent but also placed him among the elite in T20 history.
Abhishek Sharma’s carnage in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024
Abhishek’s phenomenal innings against Meghalaya was a game-changer. Chasing a target of 143 runs, he propelled Punjab to victory in just 9.3 overs, finishing with an astonishing 11 sixes and several boundaries. This performance came after a lacklustre start to the tournament, where he managed only one fifty in six innings. His explosive century not only equalled Urvil Patel‘s record for the fastest T20 hundred by an Indian but also showcased his potential as a future star in Indian cricket.
Also READ: Twitter reactions: Abhishek Sharma equals fastest T20 century by an Indian, also shatters Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav’s record
Top 5 fastest tons in T20 history
- Sahil Chauhan – 27 Balls (Estonia vs. Cyprus, 2024)
Sahil Chauhan holds the record for the fastest century in T20 cricket, achieving this remarkable milestone in just 27 balls against Cyprus on June 17, 2024. His innings included an incredible display of power hitting, culminating in a total of 18 sixes. Chauhan’s record-breaking performance not only led Estonia to victory but also set a new benchmark for T20 batting.
- Urvil Patel – 28 Balls (Gujarat vs. Tripura, 2024)
Just days before Abhishek’s feat, Urvil made headlines by scoring a century off 28 balls against Tripura during the SMAT. This performance marked him as one of India’s most promising talents and solidified his place in T20 history as he surpassed previous records held by other Indian cricketers.
- Abhishek Sharma – 28 Balls (Punjab vs. Meghalaya, 2024)
Matching Urvil’s record, Abhishek’s explosive batting helped Punjab secure a swift victory against Meghalaya. His ability to hit boundaries at will and maintain an aggressive approach under pressure showcased his maturity and skill as a young cricketer.
- Chris Gayle – 30 Balls (Royal Challengers Bangalore vs. Pune Warriors, 2013)
No discussion of T20 batting records would be complete without mentioning Chris Gayle, often referred to as the “Universe Boss.” His iconic innings for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors in the IPL saw him reach his century in just 30 balls—a record that stood tall for years before being challenged by newer players.
- Rishabh Pant – 32 Balls (Delhi vs. Himachal Pradesh, 2018)
Rishabh Pant‘s blistering century against Himachal Pradesh in 2018 was not only a testament to his explosive batting style but also marked him as one of India’s finest young talents. Scoring off just 32 balls, Pant’s innings remains memorable for its aggressive intent and skilful execution.
The landscape of T20 cricket continues to evolve, with players like Abhishek leading the charge into a new era characterized by aggressive batting and record-breaking performances. As these young talents redefine what is possible within the format, fans can only anticipate more thrilling displays of power hitting and skilful batting in future matches.
