Dasun Shanaka Sets Record with Fastest CPL Century

Shanaka’s Unforgettable Knock

On September 3, 2026, Dasun Shanaka made history in the Caribbean Premier League by scoring the fastest century ever recorded during the tournament. Batting for the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots against the Saint Lucia Kings, Shanaka reached three figures in an astounding 39 deliveries, finishing with an unbeaten total of 121 runs off just 43 balls. His incredible performance was bolstered by 12 sixes and 8 fours, leading his team to a commanding total of 235 runs.

The Match Breakdown

The Patriots set a formidable target, posting 235/4 in their allotted overs. Shanaka’s innings took place after he was promoted to bat at No. 3 at the suggestion of coach Malonan Rangarajan and captain Jason Holder. Andre Fletcher also played a vital role, scoring 64 runs off 38 balls and providing solid support during the innings.

Shanaka’s explosive innings transformed the match. Upon walking in during the 10th over, the Patriots were at 89/2, and he quickly took charge, hitting sixes back-to-back to push his team’s total to new heights. His strike rate of 281.40 reflects the aggressive style with which he approached his innings, making strategic choices based on the ball and field positions.

Breaking the Previous Record

The previous record for the fastest century in CPL was 40 balls, held jointly by Andre Russell, Tim Seifert, and Shimron Hetmyer. Shanaka not only broke this record but did so with flair, reaching his century before anyone could react, a feat that drew excitement from fans and commentators alike.

After the match, Shanaka expressed gratitude for the opportunity to bat higher up the order, noting the tactical discussions with his coach and captain. “Actually, both of them! And of course, the commentators have been talking a lot about it, so I was lucky enough to get the opportunity,” he stated during his post-match interview.

Shanaka’s CPL Season Performance

This remarkable performance is not an isolated incident for the Sri Lankan all-rounder. Across the 2026 CPL season, he has recorded 255 runs over six innings, exhibiting a bombastic strike rate that makes him one of the most feared batters in the league this year.

Jason Holder praised Shanaka’s ability to pace his innings, remarking, “Dasun has been in great form, and today, the situation allowed him to capitalize on every opportunity. The way he played was incredibly composed at times, and then explosively aggressive as needed.”

The Future for Shanaka

Shanaka’s landmark performance not only redefined his own career but also set a new standard in the league, igniting conversations about his potential impact on cricket as a whole. As he continues to showcase his skills, fans and analysts alike wonder: what can we expect next from this dynamic player?

With the emergence of new records, the Caribbean Premier League continues to thrill its audience. Fans are already buzzing about who will rise to the occasion and follow in Shanaka’s footsteps.