On September 3, 2026, Dasun Shanaka accomplished a feat that will be remembered in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). He scored the fastest century in CPL history, reaching three figures off just 39 deliveries while playing for the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots against the St Lucia Kings. His astonishing innings of 121 not out from 43 balls included 12 sixes and 8 fours, showcasing his explosive batting capability.
The Match Breakdown
Shanaka's remarkable innings helped the Patriots post a formidable total of 235 runs for the loss of 4 wickets. The St Lucia Kings, in response, were bowled out for a mere 98 runs in just 13.5 overs, leading to a massive 137-run victory for the Patriots. Andre Fletcher also played a key role, contributing 64 runs from 38 deliveries, which provided invaluable support to Shanaka at the crease.
Context of the Record
This record-breaking inning saw Shanaka surpass the previous CPL record of the fastest century, which was held jointly by Andre Russell, Tim Seifert, and Shimron Hetmyer, all of whom achieved a century off 40 balls. Shanaka exceeded this milestone by just one delivery, a remarkable feat that exemplifies his outstanding skill and timing.
Shanaka's Thought Process
Post-match, Shanaka reflected on his monumental performance, stating, "Initially, my plan was just to play according to the merit of the ball. After getting to about 30 runs, I felt the wicket was really good, so I decided to take my chances." His aggressive yet calculated approach helped him reach the century milestone just after executing back-to-back sixes.
Performance Metrics in 2026
Shanaka's achievement in this game is not merely a one-off. Across six innings in the 2026 CPL season, he has scored 255 runs at an impressive strike rate of 229.72, establishing him as one of the most destructive batters in the competition. This level of performance is further validated by the praise received from his captain Jason Holder, who stated, "Dasun has been in great form, so we wanted to utilize him as much as possible. The way he paced and finished the innings was excellent."
Statistical Overview of the Match
| Team | Score | Wickets | Overs |
|---|
| St Kitts and Nevis Patriots | 235 | 4 | 20 |
| St Lucia Kings | 98 | 10 | 13.5 |
Conclusion
Dasun Shanaka's performance in this match not only highlights his individual brilliance but also serves as a pivotal moment in the 2026 CPL season. His ability to change the game within a matter of overs speaks volumes about his batting prowess. Will Shanaka continue to maintain this form throughout the season?