Top 5: Slowest Centuries in T20I Cricket

T20 cricket, the shortest format of the game, is widely celebrated for its fast-paced and thrilling nature. With limited overs to play, batsmen often go all out from the first ball, aiming for boundaries and sixes to build a formidable score quickly.

This format has redefined batting strategies, emphasizing speed, aggression, and innovation. However, amidst the high-octane action, there have been exceptional innings where batsmen have taken a more measured approach, crafting their centuries with patience and precision. 

These slower hundreds, though rare, showcase a different dimension of T20 cricket, where strategy, resilience, and adaptability play crucial roles.

In this article, we explore five of the slowest hundreds in T20 International history, highlighting the unique circumstances and tactical acumen of the players who achieved them.

1. Paul Stirling’s 70-ball 100 vs Zimbabwe (2021)

On September 1, 2021, at Bready, Paul Stirling delivered a masterclass in patient batting for Ireland against Zimbabwe. Taking 70 balls to reach his century, Stirling’s innings was marked by careful shot selection and strategic pacing.

Despite the relatively slow strike rate by T20 standards, his knock was crucial in anchoring Ireland’s innings and setting a competitive total. Stirling’s century remains one of the slowest in T20 International history, underscoring his ability to adapt to the match situation and conditions.

2. Martin Guptill’s 69-ball 100 vs South Africa (2012)

On December 23, 2012, in East London, Martin Guptill showcased his ability to anchor an innings against South Africa. Taking 69 balls to reach his century, Guptill’s innings was characterized by careful shot selection and strategic pacing.

Despite the relatively slow strike rate by T20 standards, his knock was pivotal in anchoring New Zealand’s innings and setting a competitive total. Guptill’s century remains one of the slowest in T20 International history, highlighting his adaptability to match conditions.

Also Read | The Ten Fastest 50s in T20I Cricket

3. Vinoo Balakrishnan’s 69-ball 100 vs St Helena (2022)

On November 25, 2022, at St Helena, Vinoo Balakrishnan played a vital innings for Botswana against St Helena. Reaching his hundred in 69 balls, Balakrishnan’s performance was marked by resilience and strategic accumulation of runs.

His innings helped Botswana to a strong position, showcasing his ability to pace an innings effectively in T20 cricket.

4. Morne van Wyk’s 67-ball 100 vs West Indies (2015)

On January 14, 2015, at Kingsmead, Durban, Morne van Wyk adopted a cautious approach against the West Indies. Taking 67 balls to reach his century, van Wyk’s innings was marked by resilience and determination as he carefully navigated the West Indian bowling attack.

This hundred demonstrated van Wyk’s versatility and ability to adjust his game according to the team’s needs, helping South Africa to a strong position.

5. Jos Buttler’s 67-ball 100 vs Sri Lanka (2021)

Jos Buttler, known for his explosive batting, played a surprisingly measured innings against Sri Lanka on November 1, 2021, in Sharjah. Taking 67 balls to reach his century, Buttler displayed exceptional composure and strategic acumen.

His innings was pivotal in guiding England to a competitive total, highlighting his ability to balance aggression with caution. Buttler’s hundred, while slower than usual for a player of his calibre, showcased his maturity and cricketing intelligence.