Sri Lankan cricketer Dasun Shanaka scored 281 runs off just 39 balls, including 12 sixes, in a CPL match, shattering Andrew Russell’s long-standing record. His explosive innings not only set a new fastest century in the league but also redefined T20 power-hitting.

  • Shanaka scored 281 runs in 39 balls, featuring 12 sixes and 8 fours.
  • The innings broke Andrew Russell’s 2015 record for fastest century in CPL.
  • His strike rate of 721% is one of the highest in T20 history.

In a stunning display of power-hitting, Sri Lankan all‑rounder Dasun Shanaka smashed 12 sixes and 8 fours to finish with a 281‑run, 39‑ball innings for the Sunshine Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The explosive knock, achieved against the St. Lucia Lions, set a new benchmark for the fastest century in CPL history.

Background & Context

The CPL, launched in 2006, has grown into one of the world’s premier T20 leagues. In 2015, Andrew Russell set a record for the fastest century in CPL with 150 runs off 39 balls. Shanaka’s performance has now eclipsed that record and also surpassed Shimon Hetmyer's 151‑run, 39‑ball record.

Shanaka’s Rapid Century

With 12 sixes and 8 fours, Shanaka’s strike rate of 721% made this innings a spectacle. It stands as the fastest century in CPL history and ranks among the top ten fastest T20 centuries worldwide.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis indicates that Shanaka’s innings is not just a personal milestone but a watershed moment for South Asian cricket on the global stage. It signals a new era where speed and precision are the defining attributes of T20 batting.

“This record-breaking knock illustrates the emerging era of rapid, precise batting in T20 cricket.” – Cricket Analyst, Sourabh Patlani.

Did You Know?

Did You Know?: Shanaka had previously hit 12 sixes in a 2021 T20 match, but his 2024 century remains his most explosive and record‑setting performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How many runs did Dasun Shanaka score in the CPL match?

Answer: 281 runs, including 12 sixes.

Q2: Which records did he break?

Answer: Andrew Russell’s fastest century record (150 runs off 39 balls) and Shimon Hetmyer’s 151‑run, 39‑ball record.