Top 10 Batsmen With the Most Centuries in T20I Cricket: T20 International cricket is often described as a batter’s game, a format where power, innovation, and fearless intent take centre stage. While half-centuries are common in the shortest format, scoring a century in T20I cricket remains one of the toughest achievements. With only 120 balls available per innings, batters must combine aggression with precision to reach the three-figure mark.
Over the years, many world-class cricketers have produced memorable T20I hundreds, but only a select group has managed to score multiple centuries at the international level. As the game continues to evolve, records are constantly being challenged, yet the list of players with multiple T20I centuries remains exclusive.
In this article, we take a detailed look at the Top 10 batsmen with the most centuries in T20I cricket, highlighting their achievements, consistency, and impact on the global stage. Notably, four Indian players have earned a place in this prestigious list, underlining India’s growing dominance in white-ball cricket.
Why T20I Centuries Are Rare and Special
Unlike Test or ODI cricket, T20Is offer little room for error. Batters face relentless pressure from bowlers, aggressive field settings, and constantly rising required run rates. A single dot ball can shift momentum instantly, making it extremely difficult to build long innings.
Scoring a century in this format demands:
- Exceptional shot selection
- High strike rotation
- Boundary-hitting ability
- Mental resilience
That is why players who have scored three, four, or even five T20I centuries are regarded as true legends of the modern game.
1. Glenn Maxwell (Australia) – 5 Centuries
Australia’s Glenn Maxwell sits at the top of the list of the Top 10 batsmen with the most centuries in T20I cricket. Known for his explosive batting and 360-degree shot-making, Maxwell has redefined how T20 cricket is played.
- Matches/Innings: 115 innings
- T20I Centuries: 5
Maxwell’s ability to dominate bowlers from the first ball makes him a nightmare for opposition captains. Whether batting in the powerplay or during the death overs, he plays unconventional shots with remarkable consistency. His centuries have often come at breathtaking strike rates, turning matches single-handedly in Australia’s favour.
2. Rohit Sharma (India) – 5 Centuries
Indian captain Rohit Sharma shares the record for the most T20I centuries with Glenn Maxwell. Widely regarded as one of the most elegant batters in world cricket, Rohit’s timing and shot placement set him apart.
- Matches/Innings: 151 innings
- T20I Centuries: 5
Rohit Sharma’s centuries are a blend of grace and power. Known for starting cautiously before accelerating dramatically, he has mastered the art of pacing a T20I innings. His leadership at the top of the order has played a crucial role in India’s success across global tournaments.
3. Phil Salt (England) – 4 Centuries
England’s aggressive approach to white-ball cricket has produced several fearless batters, and Phil Salt is one of the finest examples of this modern philosophy.
- Matches/Innings: 46 innings
- T20I Centuries: 4
What makes Salt’s record remarkable is the speed at which he has accumulated centuries. In just 46 innings, he has already struck four hundreds, showcasing England’s high-risk, high-reward style. His ability to take on bowlers from the outset has made him a key figure in England’s T20 setup.
4. Suryakumar Yadav (India) – 4 Centuries
Often described as the most innovative batter of his generation, Suryakumar Yadav has transformed India’s middle-order batting in T20Is.
- Matches/Innings: 93 innings
- T20I Centuries: 4
Suryakumar’s fearless stroke play, combined with his ability to find gaps in impossible areas, makes him one of the most entertaining players to watch. His centuries have often come in high-pressure situations, proving his value as a match-winner.
5. Sanju Samson (India) – 3 Centuries
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has long been admired for his natural talent, and his inclusion in this elite list highlights his growing consistency at the international level.
- Matches/Innings: 44 innings
- T20I Centuries: 3
Samson’s batting is characterized by clean hitting and elegant stroke play. Despite limited opportunities compared to some of his peers, he has made a strong impact whenever given a chance, earning his place among the Top 10 batsmen with the most centuries in T20I cricket.
6. Colin Munro (New Zealand) – 3 Centuries
Former New Zealand opener Colin Munro was one of the earliest batters to showcase the power-hitting potential of T20 cricket.
- Matches/Innings: 62 innings
- T20I Centuries: 3
Munro’s aggressive style at the top of the order helped New Zealand compete against stronger teams during the early years of T20Is. His ability to clear the boundary consistently made him a crucial asset for the Black Caps.
7. Mohammad Waseem (UAE) – 3 Centuries
Representing the United Arab Emirates, Mohammad Waseem has emerged as one of the most impactful associate-nation players in T20I cricket.
- Matches/Innings: 91 innings
- T20I Centuries: 3
Waseem’s presence in this list highlights the global growth of cricket. Competing against full-member nations, he has shown exceptional skill and determination, proving that talent exists well beyond traditional cricketing powerhouses.
8. Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 3 Centuries
Pakistan’s captain and batting mainstay Babar Azam is widely considered one of the most technically sound batters in modern cricket.
- Matches/Innings: 129 innings
- T20I Centuries: 3
Babar’s centuries are built on classical technique, timing, and consistency. While he may not always play the fastest innings, his ability to anchor the batting lineup makes him invaluable to Pakistan’s T20I success.
9. Rilee Rossouw (South Africa) – 2 Centuries
South African batter Rilee Rossouw has been a destructive force in the middle order, capable of changing the course of a match within a few overs.
- Matches/Innings: 27 innings
- T20I Centuries: 2
Despite playing fewer matches, Rossouw’s strike rate and fearless approach have earned him a spot among the Top 10 batsmen with the most centuries in T20I cricket. His performances have often come against top-quality bowling attacks.
10. Abhishek Sharma (India) – 2 Centuries
Young Indian all-rounder Abhishek Sharma completes the top 10 list, representing the next generation of T20 superstars.
- Matches/Innings: 32 innings
- T20I Centuries: 2
Known for his aggressive starts and ability to exploit the powerplay, Abhishek has quickly made a name for himself at the international level. His inclusion further emphasizes India’s depth in T20 batting talent.
Read also: Smriti Mandhana Reaches 10,000 International Runs, Etches Her Name Deeper in Women’s Cricket History
India’s Dominance in T20I Batting Records
One of the standout aspects of this list is the presence of four Indian batters—Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, and Abhishek Sharma. This reflects India’s strong domestic structure and emphasis on aggressive white-ball cricket.
With the IPL acting as a breeding ground for talent, Indian players are increasingly comfortable handling pressure and performing on the global stage.
The Future of T20I Centuries
As T20 cricket continues to evolve, scoring rates are increasing, and batters are becoming more innovative. With more bilateral series and ICC tournaments on the calendar, the records for T20I centuries are likely to be challenged.
Young stars from various nations are already showing the potential to join this elite group, making the future of T20I cricket even more exciting.
Conclusion
The Top 10 batsmen with the most centuries in T20I cricket represent the very best of modern batting. From established legends like Rohit Sharma and Glenn Maxwell to rising stars such as Abhishek Sharma, this list captures the evolution of the shortest format.
Scoring even one T20I century is a remarkable feat. Achieving multiple hundreds places these players among the elite, ensuring their names remain etched in cricketing history.
As fans around the world continue to celebrate the thrills of T20I cricket, these batters stand as shining examples of skill, courage, and innovation in the modern game.
