T20 cricket exploded onto the scene in 2003, changing the game with its fast-paced, electrifying action. This 20-over format quickly won over fans worldwide, offering intense, high-stakes matches.
Since then, T20’s popularity has soared, drawing huge audiences and top international talent to leagues like the IPL and BBL.
In this article, we’ll examine the players who have scored the most centuries in T20 cricket, showcasing their incredible feats and how they’ve captivated fans globally.
Players With Most Centuries In T20
In the high-octane world of T20 cricket, scoring a century is a remarkable feat. It requires exceptional skill, timing, and the ability to score quickly under pressure.
Let’s explore the players who have mastered this art and consistently reach the coveted three-figure mark in T20 matches.
Most Centuries T20 Cricket – All Tournaments
Compiling all the different tournaments and performances, let’s first find players that have the most t20 centuries. This includes T20I fixtures, ICC tournaments, and other major T20 cricket leagues.
1. Chris Gayle – 22 centuries
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 463 |
| Runs | 14,562 |
| Average | 36.22 |
| Strike Rate | 144.75 |
| Highest Score | 175* |
Chris Gayle, affectionately known as the “Universe Boss,” has etched his name in T20 cricket history with his phenomenal performances. Playing for the West Indies and numerous T20 leagues worldwide, Gayle became the first player to score a T20I century during the 2007 World T20.
His career highlights include holding the record for the highest individual score in a T20 match with an unbeaten 175 off 66 balls for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2013.
Additionally, Gayle’s lightning-fast century, achieved in just 30 balls for the Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) in 2017, further cements his legacy as one of the most dominant and entertaining players in the format.
Notable performances:
- Highest individual score in T20: 175* (66 balls) for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2013
- Fastest T20 century: 30 balls for Rangpur Riders in BPL 2017
Comparison: Gayle’s 22 centuries put him far ahead of his contemporaries. His closest rivals include:
- Virat Kohli (8 centuries)
- Aaron Finch (8 centuries)
- Michael Klinger (8 centuries)
Chris Gayle’s T20 career is a testament to his extraordinary batting prowess. His record of 22 centuries is likely to stand for years to come, cementing his status as one of the greatest T20 batsmen in cricket history.
2. Babar Azam – 11 centuries
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total T20 Centuries | 11 |
| Highest Score | 122 (vs South Africa, 2021) |
| Strike Rate | 128.81 |
| Total Runs | 9,892 |
| Matches Played | 295 |
Babar Azam, Pakistan’s batting superstar, has firmly established himself as one of the most prolific run-scorers in T20 cricket.
With 11 centuries to his name, Babar sits comfortably in second place on the all-time list of T20 century-makers. His elegant stroke play and consistency across all formats have made him a modern-day batting icon.
Since his T20 debut in 2016, Babar has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the most dependable batsmen in the format. His ability to score big runs while maintaining a healthy strike rate has been crucial to his success in T20 cricket.
Notable performances:
- Fastest to reach 2000 T20I runs (52 innings)
- Scored 122 off 59 balls against South Africa in 2021 (highest T20I score by a Pakistan captain)
Comparison:
Babar’s 11 centuries put him in elite company. This highlights Babar’s consistency and ability to convert stars into big scores. At just 28 years old, Babar has the potential to add significantly to his century tally in the coming years.
3. Virat Kohli – 9 centuries
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 399 |
| Runs | 12886 |
| Average | 41.43 |
| Strike Rate | 134.20 |
| Highest Score | 122* |
Virat Kohli, often hailed as one of the greatest batsmen of his generation, has left an indelible mark on T20 cricket with his 9 centuries.
Known for his aggressive batting style and impeccable fitness, Kohli has consistently delivered match-winning performances across various T20 tournaments.
Throughout his career, Kohli has shown remarkable adaptability, excelling in both international T20s and the Indian Premier League (IPL). His ability to pace an innings and accelerate when needed has made him a cornerstone of Indian cricket and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Notable performances:
- 122* off 61 balls against Afghanistan in Asia Cup 2022 (highest T20I score by an Indian)
- Four centuries in a single IPL season (2016)
Comparison: Kohli’s 9 centuries place him among the top T20 century-makers. This comparison underscores Kohli’s consistency and his ability to score big in the fast-paced T20 format.
His century count is particularly impressive given that he often bats at number 3, having less time to build an innings compared to openers.
4. Michael Klinger – 8 centuries
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 206 |
| Total Runs | 5960 |
| Average | 34.45 |
| Strike Rate | 123.08 |
| Highest Score | 121* (vs Bangladesh, 2022) |
Michael Klinger, a name that might not be as globally recognized as some others on this list, has carved out a remarkable T20 career, particularly in Australian domestic cricket.
With 8 centuries to his name, Klinger has proven himself to be one of the most consistent and prolific T20 batsmen.
Klinger’s T20 journey is a testament to his adaptability and longevity. Despite never playing T20 internationals for Australia, he made his mark in various T20 leagues, most notably in the Big Bash League (BBL) where he became a legend for the Perth Scorchers.
Notable performances:
- 105* off 60 balls for Gloucestershire in 2015 T20 Blast
- Consistent performer in Big Bash League
Comparison: Klinger’s 8 centuries put him on par with several other prolific T20 batsmen. This comparison highlights Klinger’s consistency in a format where consistency is hard to achieve.
His ability to score centuries regularly, despite playing fewer matches than some of his contemporaries, is a testament to his T20 batting prowess.
5. Rilee Rossouw – 8 centuries
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 357 |
| Total Runs | 8947 |
| Average | 29.92 |
| Strike Rate | 144.65 |
| Highest Score | 121* (vs Bangladesh, 2022) |
Rilee Rossouw, the South African left-handed batsman, has emerged as one of the most explosive T20 batsmen in recent years.
With 8 centuries to his name, Rossouw has proven his ability to dominate bowling attacks across various T20 leagues and international matches.
Rossouw’s T20 journey is marked by his aggressive batting style and ability to score quickly from the outset.
His performances in T20 leagues around the world, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), and the T20 Blast in England, have made him a sought-after player in the format.
Notable performances:
- 100* off 44 balls for Multan Sultans in PSL 2020
- 109 off 55 balls against India in T20I (2022)
Comparison: Rossouw’s 8 centuries underscores his consistency in a format where big scores are not easy to come by. His ability to score centuries across different leagues and conditions sets him apart as a versatile T20 batsman.
6. Aaron Finch – 8 centuries
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 382 |
| Runs | 11,392 |
| Average | 34.48 |
| Strike Rate | 144.02 |
| Highest Score | 172 |
Aaron Finch, a notable figure in T20 cricket, has had an illustrious career marked by significant achievements. As the former captain of the Australian T20I team, Finch has led his team with distinction and tactical acumen, earning respect on and off the field.
Recognizing his remarkable contributions, Finch was named to the ICC T20I Team of the Decade (2011-2020). This accolade not only celebrates his consistent performances but also his influence in shaping the T20 format during this period.
Notable performances:
- 172 off 76 balls against Zimbabwe in 2018 (highest T20I score)
- 156 off 63 balls against England in 2013
Comparison:
Finch’s ability to dominate bowlers from the start of the innings sets him apart. His powerful striking, combined with smart shot selection, makes him a nightmare for opposition teams.
7. David Warner – 8 centuries
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 385 |
| Runs | 11080 |
| Average | 37.78 |
| Strike Rate | 140.69 |
| Highest Score | 135 |
David Warner, an Australian opener, is renowned for his aggressive batting style and ability to dominate bowlers from the outset. His fearless approach has made him one of the most formidable batsmen in T20 cricket.
Warner played a pivotal role in Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup victory, delivering crucial performances throughout the tournament and helping lead his team to the title.
His consistency and experience were key factors in Australia’s success.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Warner has had a highly successful stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad. His leadership and explosive batting have made him a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the team’s success in various seasons.
Notable performances:
- 100* off 56 balls against Sri Lanka in T20I (2019)
- Multiple centuries in IPL, including a 126 off 59 balls in 2017
Comparison: Warner’s consistency across international and league cricket puts him among the elite T20 batsmen.
Warner’s ability to adapt his game to different situations makes him a valuable asset in T20 cricket. He can play the role of an aggressor or an anchor, depending on the team’s needs.
8. Jos Buttler – 8 centuries
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 424 |
| Runs | 11842 |
| Average | 35.03 |
| Strike Rate | 145.03 |
| Highest Score | 124 |
Jos Buttler, England’s wicketkeeper-batsman, is one of the most explosive T20 batsmen today. His innovative shot-making and ability to pace an innings have led to many match-winning performances.
As England’s white-ball captain, Butler has shown exceptional leadership, guiding the team through high-pressure situations. His captaincy has been key to England’s success in limited-overs cricket.
Butler was named Player of the Tournament in the 2022 T20 World Cup, thanks to his consistent run-scoring and crucial knocks. In the IPL, he is a vital player for the Rajasthan Royals, known for his explosive batting at the top of the order.
Notable performances:
- 101* off 67 balls against Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup 2021
- Four centuries in IPL 2022, equaling Virat Kohli’s record
Comparison:
Buttler’s recent form and ability to score big make him one of the most feared T20 batsmen currently. Buttler’s range of shots, including his famous ramp shot, makes him a challenging batsman to bowl to.
His ability to score all around the wicket puts immense pressure on the fielding side.
9. Rohit Sharma – 8 centuries
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 448 |
| Runs | 11830 |
| Average | 30.88 |
| Strike Rate | 134.76 |
| Highest Score | 121* |
Rohit Sharma, India’s “Hitman,” is celebrated for his elegant batting and rapid acceleration. As the captain of the Indian cricket team, he’s led India to numerous victories with strategic brilliance.
He holds the record for the most T20I centuries by an Indian, with four to his name. Rohit was also the first player to score four T20I centuries, underscoring his prowess in the shortest format.
Notable performances:
- 118 off 43 balls against Sri Lanka in T20I (2017, joint-fastest T20I century)
- Multiple IPL centuries for Mumbai Indians
Comparison: Sharma’s ability to score big and lead from the front puts him among the top T20 batsmen globally.
10. Luke Wright – 8 centuries
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 380 |
| Runs | 8,526 |
| Average | 27.32 |
| Strike Rate | 142.41 |
| Highest Score | 153* |
Luke Wright, the English all-rounder, has made a significant impact in T20 cricket with his remarkable performances.
Known for his versatility and powerful hitting, Wright has excelled in various T20 leagues around the world. He has played for numerous teams in county cricket and global T20 leagues, showcasing his adaptability and skill.
Although he might be a surprise entry for some, Wright’s T20 record speaks for itself. With five centuries to his name, he has consistently proven his ability to deliver match-winning performances and stands out as a notable player in the format
Notable performances:
- 153* off 66 balls for Sussex in 2014 (highest score in English domestic T20)
- A consistent performer in Big Bash League for Melbourne Stars
Comparison: Wright’s aggressive batting style and ability to clear the boundaries consistently make him a valuable player in T20 cricket. His centuries have often come at a rapid pace, perfectly suiting the T20 format.
Most Centuries In T20 Internationals (T20Is)
T20 Internationals (T20Is) have seen some exceptional batting performances since their inception.
Among the batsmen who have mastered this format, a few stand out for their ability to consistently score centuries despite the time constraints of the game.
Here’s a table summarizing these top T20I century-makers before we get to the details:
| Player | Country | Centuries | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glenn Maxwell | Australia | 5 | 145* |
| Rohit Sharma | India | 5 | 118 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | India | 4 | 117 |
| S Davizi | Iran | 3 | 120* |
| Muhammad Waseem | UAE | 3 | 112* |
| Colin Munro | New Zealand | 3 | 109* |
| Babar Azam | Pakistan | 3 | 122 |
1. Glenn Maxwell – 5 centuries
Maxwell’s impact on T20I cricket extends beyond his batting. His off-spin bowling and electric fielding make him a true all-rounder.
Maxwell’s ability to reverse sweep fast bowlers and hit sixes over cover has revolutionized T20 batting, inspiring a new generation of cricketers to expand their shot-making repertoire.
2. Rohit Sharma – 5 centuries
Rohit the “Hitman” Sharma’s leadership in T20Is has been as impressive as his batting. Under his captaincy, India has adopted a more aggressive approach to the format.
His ability to pace an innings, starting cautiously before exploding in the latter overs, has become a template for T20 opening batsmen worldwide.
3. Suryakumar Yadav – 4 centuries
Yadav’s late entry into international cricket at 30 is a story of perseverance. His success has challenged the notion that T20 is a young man’s game.
Yadav’s technique of staying deep in the crease to manipulate field placements has been particularly effective against both pace and spin.
4. S Davizi – 3 centuries
Davizi’s achievements are remarkable considering Iran’s limited cricket infrastructure. His performances have not only put Iranian cricket on the map but have also inspired more Iranians to take up the sport.
Davizi’s success story is a testament to the global spread of T20 cricket.
5. Muhammad Waseem – 3 centuries
Waseem’s rapid rise in T20I cricket reflects the growing strength of Associate nations.
His ability to perform consistently against both Associate and Full Member nations has made him a role model for aspiring cricketers in the UAE and other emerging cricket countries.
6. Colin Munro – 3 centuries
Munro’s success as a T20I specialist led to him focusing solely on this format in international cricket, a trend that’s becoming more common.
His ability to hit boundaries from the start of an innings has often put opposition teams under pressure right from the beginning.
7. Babar Azam – 3 centuries
Azam’s success in T20Is is built on a foundation of classical batting technique, proving that orthodox shots can be just as effective as innovative ones in this format. His consistency across all conditions has earned him comparisons with some of the greatest batsmen in cricket history.
Most Centuries In A T20 World Cup
The T20 World Cup has witnessed some extraordinary batting performances since its inception in 2007. Among these, a select few players have managed to score centuries in this high-pressure tournament, etching their names in cricket history.
Here’s a table summarizing these T20 World Cup centurions:
| Player | Country | Centuries | Year(s) | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Gayle | West Indies | 2 | 2007, 2016 | 117 |
| Brendon McCullum | New Zealand | 1 | 2012 | 123 |
| Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 1 | 2010 | 100 |
| Suresh Raina | India | 1 | 2010 | 101 |
| Jos Buttler | England | 1 | 2022 | 101* |
| Tamim Iqbal | Bangladesh | 1 | 2016 | 103* |
| Alex Hales | England | 1 | 2014 | 116* |
| Ahmed Shehzad | Pakistan | 1 | 2014 | 111* |
| Rilee Rossouw | South Africa | 1 | 2022 | 109 |
| Glenn Phillips | New Zealand | 1 | 2022 | 104 |
1. Chris Gayle – 2 centuries
Chris Gayle stands alone as the only player to score multiple centuries in T20 World Cups. The self-proclaimed “Universe Boss” achieved this feat twice, first in the inaugural 2007 tournament and then again in 2016.
Gayle’s power-hitting and ability to dominate bowlers have made him a T20 legend, inspiring fear in opposition teams and awe in spectators.
2. Brendon McCullum – 1 century
Brendon McCullum’s century in the 2012 T20 World Cup showcased his aggressive batting style that later became a hallmark of New Zealand cricket. As a wicketkeeper-batsman, McCullum’s ability to score quickly from the outset set a new benchmark for T20 batting, influencing the way teams approach their innings in limited-overs cricket.
3. Mahela Jayawardene – 1 century
Mahela Jayawardene’s elegant century in the 2010 tournament demonstrated that classical batting still has a place in T20 cricket. Known for his silky touch and impeccable timing, Jayawardene’s innings proved that finesse could be just as effective as power in the shortest format of the game.
4. Suresh Raina – 1 century
Suresh Raina became the first Indian to score a T20 World Cup century in 2010. A middle-order batsman known for his aggressive style and ability to finish games, Raina’s century highlighted his importance to the Indian T20 team during his peak years.
5. Jos Buttler – 1 century
Jos Buttler’s recent century in the 2022 T20 World Cup played a crucial role in England’s victorious campaign. Buttler’s ability to combine classical and innovative shots makes him one of the most feared batsmen in modern T20 cricket. His century showcased his evolution from a finisher to a top-order enforcer.
6. Tamim Iqbal – 1 century
Tamim Iqbal’s century in 2016 was a milestone for Bangladesh cricket. As an opening batsman, Tamim’s ability to provide strong starts has been crucial to Bangladesh’s improved performances in T20Is over the years.
His century against Oman demonstrated Bangladesh’s growing competitiveness in global tournaments.
7. Alex Hales – 1 century
Alex Hales scored his century in the 2014 tournament, helping England reach the semi-finals. Despite a period of absence from the national team, Hales’ return and subsequent performances have underlined his importance to England’s T20 setup.
His ability to score quickly at the top of the order makes him a valuable asset in T20 cricket.
8. Ahmed Shehzad – 1 century
Ahmed Shehzad became the first Pakistani to score a T20 World Cup century in 2014. A stylish right-handed opener, Shehzad’s century against Bangladesh showcased his potential to be a long-term asset for Pakistan in limited-overs cricket.
9. Rilee Rossouw – 1 century
Rilee Rossouw’s century in the 2022 tournament highlighted South Africa’s batting prowess. After a period away from international cricket, Rossouw’s return and subsequent performances, including this century, have added depth to South Africa’s T20 batting lineup.
10. Glenn Phillips – 1 century
Glenn Phillips’ century in the 2022 T20 World Cup underscored New Zealand’s strength in recent tournaments. A wicketkeeper-batsman known for his explosive hitting, Phillips’ ability to accelerate the scoring rate in the middle overs has become a key feature of New Zealand’s T20 strategy.
T20 Centuries: Chris Gayle Has The Most In All Tournaments
T20 cricket has revolutionized the sport, with centuries becoming a hallmark of batting excellence. These explosive innings not only thrill fans but also showcase the remarkable skill and adaptability of modern players.
As T20 leagues continue to flourish worldwide, we can anticipate more records being shattered and innovative batting techniques emerging. The future of T20 cricket looks promising, with young talents pushing the limits of what’s achievable in this format.
Scoring centuries will remain a benchmark of brilliance in T20 cricket, inspiring the next generation of players to aim high and embrace fearless cricket.
The game’s evolution ensures that the excitement and spectacle of T20 centuries will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.
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