KOLKATA: New Zealand opener Finn Allen etched his name into the record books on Wednesday by smashing a sensational 33-ball century in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 against South Africa at Eden Gardens.
Allen powered the Blackcaps into the final of the 20-team tournament with a commanding nine-wicket victory. The explosive opener finished unbeaten on 100 from just 33 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and eight sixes, and was named Player of the Match.
His remarkable knock is now the fastest century in the history of the men’s T20 World Cups, surpassing the long-standing record previously held by West Indies legend Chris Gayle.
Gayle had scored a 47-ball century against England during the 2016 edition of the tournament. The West Indies great still holds two spots on the list of fastest T20 World Cup centuries.
England captain Harry Brook also features on the list after scoring a 50-ball century against Pakistan during the Super Eight stage of the ongoing event, while former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum remains in the top five with a 51-ball hundred against Bangladesh in the 2012 edition.
Fastest centuries in men’s T20 World Cups
Finn Allen (New Zealand) – 33 balls against South Africa in 2026
Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 47 balls against England in 2016
Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 50 balls against South Africa in 2007
Harry Brook (England) – 50 balls against Pakistan in 2026
Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) – 51 balls against Bangladesh in 2012
Allen’s incredible innings also places him among the fastest century makers in overall T20 international history.
His 33-ball hundred is the joint third-fastest century in men’s T20Is, drawing level with Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza and Namibia’s Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton.
Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan holds the record for the fastest century in men’s T20Is with a 27-ball ton against Cyprus in 2024, followed by Turkey’s Muhammad Fahad, who reached his hundred in 29 balls against Bulgaria in 2025.
Fastest centuries in men’s T20Is
Sahil Chauhan (Estonia) – 27 balls against Cyprus in 2024
Muhammad Fahad (Turkey) – 29 balls against Bulgaria in 2025
Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton (Namibia) – 33 balls against Nepal in 2024
Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe) – 33 balls against Gambia in 2024
Finn Allen (New Zealand) – 33 balls against South Africa in 2026
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