Tim David’s Explosive Innings Set New Australian Benchmark
Tim David smashed the fastest T20I century ever for Australia, reaching 102 off just 37 balls* during the third T20I against West Indies in St Kitts on 26 July 2025, shattering the previous record of 43 balls held by Josh Inglis. His knock included 11 sixes and 6 fours, featuring an awe‑inspiring power‑hitting display that turned the match decisively in Australia’s favour.
Domination With Sixes: The Numbers Tell the Story
David’s blitz wasn’t just fast—it was brutal. He smashed 11 sixes, with 10 coming in his first 26 balls, making it one of the most aggressive T20I innings by an Australian. His fifty came up in just 16 balls, eclipsing the previous Australian mark held jointly by Marcus Stoinis and Travis Head. Among Australians, no one had ever gone faster before this; Josh Inglis held the record with a 43‑ball ton against Scotland in 2024.
During a critical three‑over burst (overs 10–12), he added 71 runs, decimating spinner Gudakesh Motie and others—Australia bowled out the chase with 23 balls to spare, finishing at 215‑4 in just 16.1 overs.
Match Context: Turning Pressure into Momentum
Chasing a formidable target of 215 set by West Indies captain Shai Hope (102 off 57 balls), Australia were struggling at 92/4 after nine overs. Dropped at 90, David used the reprieve to unleash a final‑overs assault that transformed the match. His partnership of 128 runs with Mitchell Owen (36* off 16) was pivotal—this became Australia’s highest T20I fifth‑wicket stand.
This win sealed a commanding 3‑0 series lead for Australia in the five‑match series.
Player Reaction & Post‑Match Reflections
After achieving his first international century, David said: “I didn’t think I would have the opportunity to score 100 for Australia … so I’m so grateful … pretty stoked”. In post‑match reflections, he spoke about preparation. He leaned on partner Mitch Owen to navigate the landmark, admitting the milestone moment was “a little bit of foreign territory” for him.
David also revealed he used Andre Russell’s bat—the retired West Indies star from CPL days—which he had traded previously, making the moment extra special.
Historical Significance & Broader Impact
This 37‑ball ton marked the third‑fastest T20I century by a full‑member nation player, behind Rohit Sharma and David Miller (both 35 balls). Among Australians, no one had ever gone faster before this; Josh Inglis held the record with a 43‑ball ton against Scotland in 2024.
David now also tops Australia’s career T20I strike‑rate leaderboard among qualified players (min. innings), with a strike rate over 167.
