In an unprecedented display of batting prowess, Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan shattered the world record for the fastest T20I century scored by a men’s player during a 20-over international match. Chauhan’s incredible feat unfolded on Monday in the second T20I of a six-match bilateral series against Cyprus held in the picturesque town of Episkopi. He reached the landmark in a staggering 27 balls, obliterating the previous record held by Namibia’s Jan-Nicol Loftie Eaton, who set his record with 33 balls against Nepal.
The match showcased Chauhan’s exceptional talent despite it being only his fourth international appearance. He broke not only this record but also the one for the most sixes scored in a single T20I innings, sending the ball over the boundary 18 times in a magnificent 41-ball 144. His remarkable innings steered Estonia to an overwhelming victory, allowing them to chase down the target of 192 runs in just 13 overs.
Previously, the record for the most sixes in a T20I innings was shared by Afghanistan’s Hazratullah Zazai and New Zealand’s Finn Allen, both of whom hit 16 maximums. Zazai’s feat came during his 162-run knock against Ireland, and Allen achieved the same in his 137-run innings against Pakistan.
Here are the current standings for the fastest centuries in T20I history:
1. Sahil Chauhan: 27 balls vs Cyprus
2. Jan-Nicol Loftie Eaton: 33 balls vs Nepal
3. Kushal Malla: 34 balls vs Mongolia
4. David Miller: 35 balls vs Bangladesh
5. Rohit Sharma: 35 balls vs Sri Lanka
The list for most sixes in a T20I innings now stands as:
1. Sahil Chauhan: 18 sixes vs Cyprus
2. Hazratullah Zazai: 16 sixes vs Ireland
3. Finn Allen: 16 sixes vs Pakistan
4. Zeeshan Kukikhel: 15 sixes vs Hungary
5.
. Aaron Finch: 14 sixes vs England
Chauhan’s method of arrival to the crease was anything but ordinary. He walked in to bat at number four after the fall of openers Arslan Amjad and Ali Masood. His aggressive stance became evident from the sixth over itself, where he launched into an all-out assault that included four sixes and a four. He continued this form into the eighth over and scored another quartet of sixes. By the ninth over, Chauhan had reached the three-figure mark with two more sixes, and before long, he added five additional sixes before his astonishing innings was finally brought to an end.
Estonia had faced Cyprus in the first match of the series earlier on the same day, which surprisingly saw a different outcome for Chauhan as he returned to the pavilion for a golden duck. Despite this initial setback, his team managed to chase down the 196-run target seamlessly. With this incredible win, Estonia now leads the series 2-0.
Chauhan’s record-shattering innings have not only etched his name into the annals of cricket history but have also highlighted Estonia as a rising force in international cricket. His talent and explosive performance bring hope and excitement not just for Estonian cricket but for cricket fans worldwide.
The journey of Sahil Chauhan from a little-known cricketer to a world record-holder has been nothing short of phenomenal. His ability to adapt and excel against international opposition in just his fourth T20I appearance speaks volumes about his aptitude and future potential. Cricket analysts are already predicting a bright future for the young cricketer as he sets new benchmarks for his peers and aspiring cricketers.
Estonia’s triumph in the series can largely be attributed to Chauhan’s power-packed performance, and it sets the team on a promising path for the remaining matches. As the series continues, all eyes will remain on Chauhan and his extraordinary capabilities, as fans and cricket connoisseurs alike eagerly anticipate his future innings.
In conclusion, Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan has set the cricketing world alight with his unparalleled achievement, earning a well-deserved spot among the elite in T20I cricket. His record-breaking century and the extraordinary number of sixes stand as a testament to his remarkable talent and relentless determination. The cricketing world will certainly be watching closely to see what this young prodigy achieves next.
