Shahzad hits Pakistan's fastest first-class century in 49 balls

Pakistan Television batsman Muhammad Shahzad scored the fastest first-class century by a Pakistani on Thursday, reaching 100 from 49 balls against Kingsmen Academy at the Diamond Club Ground in Islamabad on the opening day of the President’s Trophy Grade-I third round.

The right-handed batsman reached the landmark in the first innings of the match, which is part of Pakistan’s premier first-class competition. His innings drew immediate attention as it broke a national record that had stood for over a decade.

The Dera Ghazi Khan-born batsman broke the previous national record of 56 balls set by former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq against Australia in 2014. ProPakistani reported that Hasan Ali ranks third on the list, having completed a first-class hundred in 58 balls for Central Punjab against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2021.

Shahzad went on to make 114 off 62 deliveries, hitting 12 fours and eight sixes. It was his sixth first-class century. The Express Tribune reported that the knock is the world’s eighth-fastest hundred in domestic first-class cricket history.

Shahzad’s innings lifted Pakistan Television’s first-innings total. The Express Tribune said PTV closed the first day on 285-7. ProPakistani, which filed earlier, had PTV on 239-6 after 48 overs, with Taimur Khan unbeaten on 31 and Ammad Butt on four.

Other PTV contributions included Mohammad Taha’s 43 off 72 balls with six fours, Yasir Khan’s 13 off 40 balls with one boundary, and Sharoon Siraj’s 16 off 46 deliveries with three fours. Ammar and Waqar Hussain added five and two runs respectively.

Neither outlet reported any faster first-class century by a Pakistani batter, confirming Shahzad’s mark as the national record.