Fastest Century in T20 by Sri Lanka: Record-Breaking Knocks in Shortest Format
Sri Lanka has always been a powerhouse in world cricket, producing some of the most elegant and destructive batters in the gameâs history. Legends like Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Sanath Jayasuriya, Marvan Atapattu, and Tillakaratne Dilshan have shaped the nationâs batting legacy across all formats. While Sri Lankaâs dominance in Tests and ODIs is well known, their performances in T20 Internationals (T20Is) have also delivered unforgettable moments.
When it comes to T20 centuries, Sri Lanka has produced only a few, but each has been extraordinary in its own way. Letâs dive into the list of players who have scored a century in T20Is for Sri Lanka â and discover who holds the record for the fastest century in T20 by a Sri Lankan batsman.
Fastest Century in T20 by Sri Lanka
So far, only three Sri Lankan batters have scored centuries in T20 Internationals. Among them, Kusal Perera holds the record for the fastest century, achieving the feat in just 46 balls against New Zealand in January 2025.
Hereâs a quick look at the complete list:
| Batter | Balls | Score | Against | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kusal Perera | 46 | 101 | New Zealand | Nelson | January 2, 2025 |
| Tillakaratne Dilshan | 55 | 104* | Australia | Pallekele | August 6, 2011 |
| Mahela Jayawardene | 63 | 100 | Zimbabwe | Providence | May 3, 2010 |
1. Kusal Perera â 46 Balls vs New Zealand, 2025 (Fastest Century by a Sri Lankan in T20I)
Kusal Perera etched his name into the record books with a breathtaking century against New Zealand at Nelson on January 2, 2025. His 46-ball hundred is now the fastest century in T20I history for Sri Lanka.
Facing a strong Kiwi bowling attack, Kusal opened the innings aggressively, taking charge from the very beginning. He combined classical stroke play with fearless hitting, smashing boundaries all over the ground. His innings of 101 runs off 46 balls included a flurry of fours and sixes, leaving the opposition bowlers helpless.
Pereraâs ton not only helped Sri Lanka post a massive total but also inspired a memorable victory. His quick-fire hundred showcased the fearless, modern approach of Sri Lankan cricket â blending timing, innovation, and controlled aggression.
This innings will be remembered as one of the most explosive performances by a Sri Lankan batsman in the shortest format.
2. Tillakaratne Dilshan â 55 Balls vs Australia, 2011
The second T20I century for Sri Lanka came from the bat of Tillakaratne Dilshan, one of the pioneers of modern T20 batting. His unbeaten 104 off 57 balls against Australia at Pallekele on August 6, 2011, remains one of the finest knocks by a Sri Lankan captain.
Australia, after winning the toss, decided to bowl first. Sri Lanka lost Jayawardene early, but Dilshan anchored the innings brilliantly. He built a 52-run stand with Kumar Sangakkara (30 off 22) and later an unbeaten 104-run partnership with Jeevan Mendis (29 off 19).
Dilshanâs innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression. He smashed 12 fours and 5 sixes, maintaining a strike rate of over 180. What made the knock even more special was that he became the first Sri Lankan captain to score a century in all three formats â Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Sri Lanka posted a huge total of 198/3, and Australia, despite David Warnerâs quick 53, fell short by 35 runs. Dilshanâs hundred set a benchmark for T20 batting in Sri Lanka and remains one of the most celebrated innings in their cricket history.
3. Mahela Jayawardene â 63 Balls vs Zimbabwe, 2010
The first-ever T20I century for Sri Lanka came from one of the most stylish batsmen the game has ever seen â Mahela Jayawardene. He achieved this milestone during the 2010 ICC T20 World Cup in West Indies, scoring 100 runs off 64 balls (63 balls to reach the century) against Zimbabwe at Providence on May 3, 2010.
Opening the innings, Jayawardene played with exquisite timing and placement. While wickets fell regularly at the other end, he kept his composure and guided Sri Lanka to a strong total of 173/7. His innings included 10 boundaries and 4 sixes, showing his ability to blend elegance with power.
Unfortunately, rain interrupted Zimbabweâs innings, and the target was revised to 44 runs in 5 overs. Zimbabwe managed only 29/1, giving Sri Lanka a comfortable win. Jayawardene was deservedly named the Player of the Match for his incredible ton â the first by a Sri Lankan in T20I cricket.
Sri Lankaâs Journey in T20 Batting
While Sri Lanka is renowned for producing technically gifted batsmen, adapting to the fast-paced T20 format required a new level of innovation. Players like Dilshan introduced unorthodox shots like the famous âDilscoop,â while Kusal Perera and Thisara Perera brought explosive power-hitting to the top and middle order.
Over time, Sri Lanka has transitioned from being a team that relied on finesse to one that can dominate in the shortest format. The rise of younger talents and fearless hitters has kept their T20 game evolving with modern trends.
Top 3 Fastest T20I Centuries by Sri Lankan Batsmen
- Kusal Perera â 46 balls vs New Zealand (2025, Nelson)
- Tillakaratne Dilshan â 55 balls vs Australia (2011, Pallekele)
- Mahela Jayawardene â 63 balls vs Zimbabwe (2010, Providence)
Conclusion
Sri Lankaâs T20 batting milestones tell the story of evolution, adaptability, and brilliance. From Mahela Jayawardeneâs elegant century in 2010 to Kusal Pereraâs record-breaking 46-ball hundred in 2025, these innings showcase the rich legacy of Sri Lankan cricket in the shortest format.
Kusal Pereraâs blistering ton now stands as a reminder of how far Sri Lanka has come in T20 cricket â from the era of classic stroke makers to fearless power hitters who can dominate any bowling attack. As the game continues to evolve, Sri Lankaâs future looks promising, with new talents ready to follow in the footsteps of these legends.
Read more: Highest Partnership in ODI Cricket: Records That Redefined Batting Excellence
