In an extraordinary display of power-hitting, Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan etched his name into the annals of cricket history by scoring the fastest century in Men’s T20I cricket. Facing Cyprus, Chauhan reached his century in a jaw-dropping 27 balls, surpassing the previous record held by Namibia’s Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton. Chauhan’s remarkable innings not only set a new benchmark but also revitalized interest in the potential of emerging cricket nations.
Meet Sahil Chauhan, a cricketer from Estonia, who smashed the FASTEST 100 ever in International cricket today off just 27 deliveries, with 18 sixes _ pic.twitter.com/l5sWqZh13u
— Cricketangon (@cricketangon) June 17, 2024
Historic Knock
The match, part of a six-match series in Episkopi, saw Cyprus set a formidable target of 191/7 in their 20 overs. Despite a challenging start, with Estonia losing three wickets for just 40 runs, Chauhan stepped in and transformed the game. Displaying an array of powerful strokes, Chauhan’s innings was a masterclass in T20 batting. His century, punctuated by 18 towering sixes and six boundaries, came at an astonishing strike rate of 351.21.
Breaking Records
Chauhan’s feat eclipsed Chris Gayle’s famous 30-ball century for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL 2013 and Loftie-Eaton’s 33-ball century from earlier this year. The 32-year-old Chauhan, who finished unbeaten on 144 from 41 balls, also set a new record for the most sixes in a Men’s T20I innings, surpassing the previous record of 16 sixes held jointly by Afghanistan’s Hazratullah Zazai and New Zealand’s Finn Allen .
Turning the Game Around
Chauhan’s onslaught began with a series of explosive hits against the Cyprus bowlers. His initial assault saw him reach fifty in just 14 balls, a harbinger of the carnage that was to follow. Despite Estonia’s precarious position at 40/3, Chauhan remained unfazed. Partnering briefly with Stuart Hook and then Bilal Masud, who contributed an unbeaten 21, Chauhan dominated the strike and relentlessly punished any loose deliveries.
Key Moments
The turning point of the match came during the sixth over, bowled by Mangala Gunasekara, which saw Chauhan smashing four sixes and a four. This over propelled him to a 14-ball fifty, setting the stage for his record-breaking century. The crowd watched in disbelief as Chauhan continued to clear the boundaries with ease, eventually reaching his hundred with a six off Neeraj Tiwari.
Cyprus’ Performance
Cyprus, who posted 191/7, had their moments of brilliance as well. Taranjit Singh’s explosive 44 off 17 balls provided a strong foundation, while Chamal Sadun and other middle-order batsmen chipped in with valuable runs. However, their efforts were overshadowed by Chauhan’s extraordinary performance.
Analysis and Implications
Chauhan’s record-breaking innings is a significant milestone not just for him personally, but for Estonian cricket as well. It highlights the growing competitive spirit and talent in associate cricket nations. Such performances can inspire young cricketers in these regions and increase the visibility and popularity of the sport.
From a technical perspective, Chauhan’s innings was a testament to his exceptional hand-eye coordination, power, and mental resilience. His ability to consistently find the boundary under pressure demonstrates his potential to succeed at higher levels of the game.
The Road Ahead
With Estonia now leading the series 2-0, the focus will be on maintaining their momentum. The next matches will be crucial for both teams, as Cyprus seeks to bounce back and Estonia aims to capitalise on their lead. Chauhan’s performance has undoubtedly set the bar high, and cricket enthusiasts worldwide will be keenly watching how the series unfolds.