The 5 youngest T20I centurions from full member nations
While Associate cricket features numerous teenage prodigies blasting centuries against developing bowling attacks, reaching a triple-figure score in Men’s Twenty20 Internationals remains a special achievement among cricket’s ICC Full Member nations.
Facing world-class pacers and tactical spin variations requires maturity far beyond a player’s youthful years.
Following a historic performance in September 2026, a new generational talent has officially reshaped the history books. Here’s a look at the five youngest cricketers from major Test-playing nations to score a century in T20I cricket.
1. Lhuan-dre Pretorius (South Africa) – 20 years, 161 days
South Africa opening sensation Lhuan-dré Pretorius claimed top spot on this list as the youngest T20I centurion from an ICC Full Member nation – although admittedly his knock came against an associate nation.
The aggressive left-handed batter delivered a masterclass in clean striking during the T20I Tri-Series in Windhoek. Pretorius blitzed a phenomenal 101 runs off just 53 deliveries against Namibia, leading his side to a massive first-innings total.
His historic knock included 5 boundaries and 8 towering sixes, solidifying his rapid transition into international cricket. Interestingly, the Proteas had fielded a very under-strength side for the tri-series against neighbours Namibia and Zimbabwe.
So Pretorius only got to play because the likes of Aiden Markram, Quinton De Kock and Ryan Rickelton were absent.
2. Hazratullah Zazai (Afghanistan) – 20 years, 337 days
Before being surpassed at the top of this list, Afghanistan’s destructive opener held the prestigious record for more than seven years. Facing Ireland in Dehradun in February 2019, Hazratullah Zazai unleashed one of the most brutal onslaughts in T20I history.
The explosive left-hander demolished the Irish bowling attack to finish unbeaten on 162 off a mere 62 balls. His unbelievable innings featured a record-shattering 16 sixes, setting a benchmark for power-hitting among young cricketers.
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3. Yashasvi Jaiswal (India) – 21 years, 279 days
India‘s phenomenal all-format opener etched his name onto this list during the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. Facing a disciplined Nepal side, Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased his superb technical skill combined with modern T20 aggression.
He carved out a breathtaking 100 runs from 49 balls, laying the foundation for India’s gold-medal charge. Jaiswal’s knock demonstrated extraordinary composure, making him the youngest centurion for India in the shortest format of the game.
As was the case with Pretorius, his knock came against a side that is regarded as something of a minnow.
4. Brian Bennett (Zimbabwe) – 21 years, 324 days
Zimbabwe’s rising star Brian Bennett announced himself on the global stage with a magnificent performance in Harare on September 30, 2025.
Facing an unheralded Tanzanian attack, the talented youngster played an absolute blinder, anchoring the innings with a brilliant 111 runs.
His technical precision and ability to clear the boundary under pressure showcased a maturity well beyond his years. This century firmly established Bennett as one of the most vital components of Zimbabwe’s future batting core.
5. Tilak Varma (India) – 22 years, 5 days
Rounding out the top five is India’s dynamic left-hander Tilak Varma, who showcased his immense talent against South Africa in Centurion on November 13, 2024.
Coming to the crease after just two balls had been bowled, he batted with incredible freedom and tactical awareness. Varma compiled a sensational, unbeaten 107* to guide his side to a position of strength.
Although South Africa chased hard, they fell 11 runs short of victory. Varma’s ability to manipulate the field and dominate high-quality pace bowling highlighted why he is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in modern Indian cricket.
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