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KOLKATA: New Zealand opener Finn Allen smashed multiple records during his 33-ball century in the semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 against South Africa on Wednesday.
Playing the first semi-final at Eden Gardens, Allen delivered a breathtaking unbeaten 100 off just 33 deliveries as New Zealand chased down the 170-run target with ease to seal a crushing nine-wicket win.
The right-hander’s blistering knock featured 10 fours and eight towering sixes and earned him the Player of the Match award.
The century also rewrote the record books, becoming the fastest hundred ever scored in the history of men’s T20 World Cups.
Allen surpassed the long-standing mark held by West Indies legend Chris Gayle, who had reached the milestone in 47 balls against England during the 2016 edition.
Gayle still occupies two spots on the list of the fastest T20 World Cup centuries, including his 50-ball hundred against South Africa in the inaugural 2007 tournament.
England captain Harry Brook also features among the fastest after scoring a 50-ball century against Pakistan earlier in the Super Eight stage of the ongoing event.
Former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum completes the top five with his 51-ball century against Bangladesh during the 2014 edition.
Fastest centuries in men’s T20 World Cups
Allen’s blistering knock also ranks among the quickest centuries in overall T20 Internationals.
His 33-ball ton is now joint third-fastest in the format, drawing level with Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza and Namibia batter Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton.
The record for the fastest century in men’s T20Is is currently held by Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan, who smashed a remarkable 27-ball hundred against Cyprus in 2024.
Turkey’s Muhammad Fahad follows with a 29-ball ton against Bulgaria in 2025.
Fastest centuries in men’s T20Is
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