Batters with T20 World Cup tons against South Africa
What's the story
New Zealand opener Finn Allen entered the record books with a blistering century against South Africa in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup semi-final at Kolkata's Eden Gardens. Allen hammered a 33-ball 100*, helping the Kiwis chase down 170 in just 12.5 overs. Notably, the Kiwi opener became the third player to score a century against South Africa in T20 World Cups.
#1
Chris Gayle: 117 in 2007, Johannesburg
West Indies legend Chris Gayle became the first-ever T20 World Cup centurion. He reached three figures in the first match of the inaugural edition (2007). His 117 (57) helped the Windies rack up 205/6 in 20 overs against South Africa in Johannesburg. His knock had 7 fours and 10 sixes. However, the Proteas chased down the total with Herschelle Gibbs's 90*(55).
#2
Suresh Raina: 101 in 2010, Gros Islet
In 2010, India's Suresh Raina became the second player to score a T20 World Cup century. The former left-handed batter hammered 101 off 60 balls, helping India beat South Africa in Gros Islet. The Men in Blue racked up 186/5 and later won by 14 runs. Notably, Raina remains the only Indian with a century in the tournament to date.
#3
Finn Allen: 100* in 2026, Kolkata
South Africa didn't concede another T20 World Cup century for over 15 years before Finn Allen broke them. He smashed an unbeaten 100 (10 fours and 8 sixes) in the 2026 edition. His 33-ball ton is now the fastest in T20 World Cups. Allen now also has the fastest century for New Zealand in T20Is, overtaking Glenn Phillips.