Glenn Maxwell’s blistering 120* off 55 balls in the second T20I against West Indies has not only secured Australia’s victory but also propelled him into the record books. He now stands alongside Rohit Sharma, sharing the honor of having scored the most centuries in T20 Internationals with five each. This achievement sparks an interesting discussion: who reigns supreme in the world of T20I centuries?
Both Maxwell and Sharma are renowned for their aggressive batting style and ability to dismantle bowling attacks. Maxwell, known as the “Big Show,” boasts the highest individual score in T20Is with a staggering 145* against Sri Lanka in 2023. His strike rate of 155.26 speaks volumes about his explosive nature. On the other hand, Sharma, the elegant “Hitman,” possesses a slightly lower strike rate of 139.97 but compensates with a higher average of 31.79, indicating his consistency in converting starts into big scores.
Their paths to reaching five centuries differ significantly. Maxwell, despite making his T20I debut in 2012, took time to find his rhythm. His first century came in 2017, followed by four more across the next seven years. In contrast, Sharma, who debuted in 2007, smashed his first century in 2012 and followed it up with another four within four years. However, he hasn’t scored a century since 2018, raising questions about his recent form.
While Maxwell and Sharma share the top spot, the race for T20I centuries is far from over. Young Indian batsman Suryakumar Yadav is hot on their heels with four centuries in just 60 matches, boasting a phenomenal strike rate of 171.55. Other notable contenders include Sabawoon Davizi (Czech Republic), Colin Munro (New Zealand), and Babar Azam (Pakistan), each with three centuries to their name.
Let’s delve into the top 6 players with the most T20I centuries, exploring their journeys, signature styles, and the diverse lands they’ve conquered with centuries:
1. Glenn Maxwell (Australia) – 5 centuries: The “Big Show” lives up to his nickname, unleashing his power across nations. His five centuries showcase his global dominance, including memorable knocks against Sri Lanka (145*), India (104*), England (103*), and New Zealand (113*). His recent most T20I hundred came against the West Indies as discussed above.
2. Rohit Sharma (India) – 5 centuries: The “Hitman” has graced pitches worldwide with his elegant strokeplay. His impressive record includes tons against Afghanistan (121*), West Indies (111), England (100*), Sri Lanka (100*), and South Africa (100*).
3. Suryakumar Yadav (India) – 4 centuries: This young prodigy has taken the T20 world by storm, with centuries against England (117), Sri Lanka (105), New Zealand (111), and South Africa (107). He’s a threat across continents, showcasing his talent wherever he plays.
4. Sabawoon Davizi (Czech Republic) – 3 centuries: Although representing a smaller cricketing nation, Davizi has silently amassed three centuries. His highest score of 115* came against Austria, showcasing his anchoring ability mixed with powerful strokes. He also has centuries against Malta and Bulgaria, proving his mettle against various oppositions.
5. Colin Munro (New Zealand) – 3 centuries: The retired Kiwi opener was a T20 specialist, unleashing his aggressive style on the global stage. His three centuries came against Bangladesh (123), India (109*), and West Indies (104*), stamping his mark on different opponents.
6. Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 3 centuries: Renowned for his technical brilliance and adaptability, Azam boasts centuries against South Africa (122), England (114*), and New Zealand (103). His elegant strokeplay and composure shine across continents, making him a global batting star.
