West Indies have produced some of the most destructive batters in T20 international cricket, with players capable of turning a match around in just a few overs. From Chris Gayle’s legendary power-hitting to Johnson Charles’ explosive stroke play, the Caribbean side has a rich history of remarkable centuries in the shortest format.

Shai Hope has added another memorable chapter to that history with his 45-ball century against India in Ranchi on October 9, 2026. His knock places him among the fastest century-makers for West Indies in men’s T20 internationals, highlighting the evolution of Caribbean batting across generations.

The list features five remarkable innings, each showcasing a different approach to aggressive batting. While some came during high-scoring modern T20 contests, others helped establish West Indies’ reputation as one of the most dangerous batting teams in world cricket.

Top 5 fastest T20I hundreds for West Indies

1. Johnson Charles – 39 balls vs South Africa, Centurion, 2023

Johnson Charles (PC: X.com)

Johnson Charles holds the record for the fastest T20I century by a West Indies batter. He produced a sensational innings against South Africa in March 2023, smashing 118 off 46 balls, including 10 fours and 11 sixes. His explosive knock powered West Indies to 258/5 in 20 overs, one of the highest totals in men’s T20I cricket at the time.

Charles combined clean hitting with fearless intent, taking on South Africa’s attack from the outset. His 39-ball hundred surpassed Chris Gayle’s previous West Indies record and established him as one of the most destructive batters in the format.

2. Shai Hope – 45 balls vs India, Ranchi, 2026

Shai Hope (PC: X.com)

Shai Hope delivered one of the finest T20I innings of his career against India on October 9, 2026. The West Indies captain scored an unbeaten 102 off 45 balls, reaching his century in the second-fastest time by a Caribbean batter in men’s T20Is.

Chasing India’s imposing 250-run target, West Indies lost early wickets but Hope refused to let the pressure dictate the contest. He combined calculated stroke play with powerful hitting, while his partnership with Sherfane Rutherford transformed the chase. West Indies eventually reached 252/4 in 18.3 overs, securing a memorable six-wicket victory and levelling the series.

3. Chris Gayle – 47 balls vs England, Mumbai, 2016

Chris Gayle (PC: X.com)

Chris Gayle’s explosive century against England during the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 remains one of the most iconic innings in T20I history. The left-hander smashed an unbeaten 100 off 48 balls, reaching three figures in 47 deliveries.

Gayle’s innings featured 11 sixes and five fours as he dismantled England’s bowling attack. West Indies chased down England’s target of 183 with 11 balls remaining, winning by six wickets.

Nicknamed the ‘Universe Boss’, Gayle demonstrated why he was considered one of the greatest power-hitters in the game. His record stood as West Indies’ fastest T20I century until Charles surpassed it in 2023.

4. Evin Lewis – 48 balls vs India, Lauderhill, 2016

Evin Lewis (PC: X.com)

Evin Lewis announced himself as a major T20 talent with a breathtaking century against India in Lauderhill, Florida, in August 2016. He scored 100 off 49 balls, reaching the milestone in 48 deliveries, with five fours and nine sixes.

Lewis’s aggressive batting helped West Indies post a competitive total in a high-scoring contest. His ability to clear the boundary against both pace and spin made him a valuable weapon at the top of the order.

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The innings also began a memorable run of performances against India, with Lewis later scoring another T20I century against the same opposition. His power-hitting places him among the Caribbean’s most successful T20 specialists.

5. Chris Gayle – 50 balls vs South Africa, Johannesburg, 2007

Chris Gayle (PC: X.com)

Chris Gayle also features at fifth place with his unforgettable century against South Africa in the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in 2007. He scored 117 off 57 balls, reaching his hundred in 50 deliveries.

Gayle’s innings included seven fours and 10 sixes and helped West Indies post 205/6. Although South Africa won the match, Gayle’s performance became a landmark moment in the early history of T20 internationals.

The knock showed the world how aggressively the new format could be played. Gayle’s ability to dominate bowlers from the beginning helped establish the template for modern T20 power-hitting.

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