Scoring a century in Test cricket is one of the biggest accomplishments for any batter. It takes skill, focus, and patience. But what happens when a teenager walks in and scores a hundred against some of the best bowlers in the world? It becomes history. Over the years, a few young players have amazed the cricket world by scoring Test centuries at a very early age. Here’s a look at the five youngest players to do so.
5. Imran Nazir (Pakistan)
- Age: 18 years, 154 days
- Century: 131 vs West Indies
- Venue: Bridgetown, Barbados, 2000
Imran Nazir was known for his attacking batting style. At the age of 18 years and 154 days, he scored 131 runs against a strong West Indies team in Barbados. His attacking approach stood out, and his innings gave Pakistan a solid start. Though his Test career didn’t last long, this century remains a memorable one.
4. Hamilton Masakadza (Zimbabwe)
- Age: 17 years, 352 days
- Century: 119 vs West Indies
- Venue: Harare, 2001
Hamilton Masakadza became the youngest player to score a century on debut when he made 119 for Zimbabwe against West Indies in 2001. At a very young age, he impressed everyone with his calm and composed batting. His century helped Zimbabwe draw the match and set a new record at the time.
3. Sachin Tendulkar (India)
- Age: 17 years, 107 days
- Century: 119* vs England
- Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, 1990
Widely regarded as one of the greatest batters in the history of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar scored his first Test century at the age of 17 years and 107 days. His unbeaten 119 against England helped India draw the match and earned him praise across the cricket world. It was the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would include 51 Test centuries.
2. Mushtaq Mohammad (Pakistan)
- Age: 17 years, 78 days
- Century: 101 vs India
- Venue: Delhi, 1961
Mushtaq Mohammad was one of the first young cricket talents. He was the first teenager in cricket history to score a Test century, making 101 against India in 1961 at just 17 years and 78 days old. Mushtaq went on to have a long career as a brilliant all-rounder and was known for his smart cricket brain. His record stood for almost 40 years.
1. Mohammad Ashraful (Bangladesh)
- Age: 17 years, 61 days
- Century: 114 vs Sri Lanka
- Venue: Colombo (SSC), 2001
Mohammad Ashraful holds the record for being the youngest player to score a century in Test cricket. He achieved this incredible feat on his Test debut against Sri Lanka in 2001. At just 17 years and 61 days old, Ashraful showed maturity beyond his age. Despite Bangladesh losing the match, his knock of 114 was the highlight and gave fans a glimpse of his talent.
Conclusion
These five players proved that age is no barrier when you have talent and confidence. Scoring a century in Test cricket as a teenager is a rare achievement, and these young stars made a lasting impact with their performances. While not all of them had long international careers, their names will always be remembered in cricket history for these incredible milestones.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
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