Since its inception in 2007 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has delivered countless unforgettable batting performances. However, every now and then an innings comes along that completely redefines what fans thought was possible in the shortest format. That’s exactly what happened during New Zealand’s explosive opener in the 2026 semi-final Find Allen produced one of the most stunning shots the tournament has ever seen.
On March 4, 2026, under the bright lights of the Eden Gardens, Allen tore apart the South African bowling attack and smashed the fastest century in T20 World Cup history. He reached the milestone with just 33 balls, rewriting the record books and breaking a mark that had stood for a decade. The previous benchmark was for the West Indies symbol Chris Gaylehis fearless batting has long defined the power stroke in the tournament. Allen’s incredible effort now tops the list of fastest hundreds the competition has ever seen.
Here are the 5 fastest centuries in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history:
5) Brendon McCullum – 51 balls against Bangladesh (2012)
New Zealand’s fearless batting reputation in global tournaments was boosted by former captain Brendon McCullum during the 2012 edition of the T20 World Cup. Playing against Bangladesh at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, McCullum received a masterclass in controlled aggression.
Coming in at number three, he destroyed the bowling attack by hitting cleanly all over the ground. McCullum raced to his century off just 51 balls, finishing with a breathtaking 123 off 58 deliveries. His innings included 11 fours and seven powerful sixes. What made the innings even more remarkable was New Zealand’s total of 191/3 – only McCullum scored 123 runs, while the rest of the batting scored just 68 runs.
3) Harry Brook – 50 balls vs Pakistan (2026)
England’s modern white-ball revolution has produced some fearless strikers and their captain Harry Brooke has written his name into the history books for the 2026 edition of the tournament. Facing Pakistan in the Super Eights at Pallekele, Brook stepped up early and completely changed the momentum of the game.
Chasing a tough target of 167, the young England captain played with remarkable composure and authority. Brook brought up his century in just 50 balls, hitting 10 fours and 4 sixes. His innings was also historic for another reason – he became the first captain to score a century in a T20 World Cup match. England eventually sealed a thrilling two-wicket victory and Brook’s knock proved vital in keeping their title hopes alive.
3) Chris Gayle – 50 balls against South Africa (2007)
The inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 created a moment that changed the perception of T20 cricket forever. West Indies batting legend Chris Gayle made history against hosts South Africa in Johannesburg.
Gayle reached his century in just 50 balls and made a stunning 117 off 57 deliveries. The innings was historic as it became the first century to be 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 knock became one of the defining moments of early T20 cricket.
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2) Chris Gayle – 47 balls against England (2016)
Nearly a decade later, Gayle has proven once again why he earned the nickname “Universe Boss.” In the 2016 tournament held at the famous Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the West Indian superstar delivered yet another unforgettable performance.
Chasing a total of 183 against England, Gayle launched a relentless counter-attack. He brought up his hundred in just 47 balls and was unbeaten on 100 off 48 deliveries. His innings featured 11 fours and five big sixes and led West Indies to a comfortable six-wicket win. For the next ten years, it remained the fastest century in T20 World Cup history.
1) Finn Allen – 33 balls against South Africa (2026)
Then came the night that rewrote history. In the semifinals of the 2026 tournament, Finn Allen made a shot that stunned players, commentators and fans alike.
Chasing 170 goals, Allen and teammate Tim Seifert went on an aggressive attack from the start. Allen raced to his half-century off just 19 balls – the fastest fifty ever recorded in a T20 World Cup knockout match. But he was away from work.
In the next 14 balls, he completed his century and reached three figures in an astonishing 33 deliveries. His unbeaten 100 included 10 fours and eight powerful sixes and he achieved 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. secured a dominant nine-wicket victory and book 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 could stand for years to come.
