Top 5 fastest centuries (100) by Sri Lanka batsmen in test cricket

Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya is also on this elite list.

The Sri Lanka cricket team played their first-ever test match in 1981-82 against England, which the Three Lions won.

The Island Nation won their first test match when India toured their country for a three-match test series in 1985. In the second match of the series, Sri Lanka recorded their maiden test victory, by defeating India by 149 runs. It was also their maiden test series win.

So far, Sri Lanka have played 319 test matches. Out of these, they won 104 matches and lost 123 games. 92 of their matches have been drawn.

Sri Lanka have produced several legendary batters. These batters registered some iconic moments in test cricket, which also included smashing the fastest centuries for their country.

Top 5 fastest centuries (100) by Sri Lanka batters in tests:

5. Kithuruwan Vithanage – 99 balls vs Bangladesh in 2014

The fifth fastest test century by a Sri Lankan was made by middle-order batter Kithuruwan Vithanage on the tour of Bangladesh in 2013-14. 

During the first test, hosts Bangladesh made 232 runs. In reply, the visitors declared with a massive score of 730/6. Mahela Jayawardene scored 203*. Vithanage came and played a blistering knock of 103 not out, raising his century in 99 balls.

In the second innings, the hosts were bundled out for 250 runs and lost the game by an innings and 248 runs.

4. Romesh Kaluwitharana – 98 balls vs New Zealand in 1997

The fourth fastest test hundred for Sri Lanka came from the bat of Romesh Kaluwitharana during the first test match against New Zealand in Dunedin in 1997.

In the first innings, New Zealand declared at 586/7. In reply, Sri Lanka were bundled out for 222 runs.

In Sri Lanka’s second innings, middle-order batter Romesh Kaluwitharana slammed a 98-ball century. The former cricketer played a fighting knock of 103 runs, but the visitors were all out for 328. Sri Lanka lost the match by an innings and 36 runs.

3. Tillakaratne Dilshan – 93 balls vs Bangladesh in 2009

In the second test match against Bangladesh in Chattogram in 2009, former Sri Lanka opener Tillakaratne Dilshan hammered the third-fastest test century for his nation.

Sri Lanka made 384 runs in the first innings as Dilshan cracked a 93-ball century. He went on to score 162 runs off 165 deliveries. Bangladesh got all-out for 208 runs in their first innings.

Sri Lanka batted again and set a target of more than 600 runs. While chasing, the hosts were bundled out for 158 runs and lost the match by 465 runs. Dilshan was named the Player of the Match.

2. Sanath Jayasuriya – 90 balls vs Zimbabwe in 2004

Legendary opener Sanath Jayasuriya slammed the second-fastest test century for his country off 90 balls against Zimbabwe in 2004.

In the first test of the series, Sri Lanka made 541 runs in the first innings, with Marvan Atapattu (170) and Jayasuriya (157) scoring centuries.

Zimbabwe were bundled out for 199 and 102 and lost the match by an innings and 240 runs.

1. Mahela Jayawardene – 81 balls vs Bangladesh in 2001

Legendary cricketer Mahela Jayawardene holds the record for the fastest test hundred for his nation. Jayawardene achieved this iconic milestone during the second test match against Bangladesh in Colombo in 2001.

Bangladesh were bundled out for just 90 runs. In reply, Sri Lanka made a massive 555/5 and declared their innings. Marvan Atapattu scored 201 runs, while Jayawardene smashed an 81-ball century and went on to make 150*.

In the end, the hosts won by an innings and 137 runs.

(All stats are updated till 16th September 2024.)

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