Australia were in trouble. Then Tim David blasted a record-breaking century

Tim David has smashed the fastest international century by an Australian in history, bringing up triple figures from just 37 balls in a jaw-dropping T20 run chase that sealed a dominant series victory over the West Indies.

Set 215 for victory, Australia overcame a shaky start at 3-61 from 5.5 overs following the early dismissals of Glenn Maxwell (20 off seven), Josh Inglis (15 off six) and Mitch Marsh (22 off 19), before David launched one of the most destructive innings ever seen in national colours.

David had a relatively modest start to his innings, reaching eight off five balls, before exploding from there to reach a half century in 16 balls, one delivery faster than 17-ball efforts from Marcus Stoinis (against Sri Lanka in 2022) and Travis Head (against Scotland in 2024).

Yuvraj Singh’s 12-ball half century is the fastest in a T20 international by a player from a major nation.

David’s blistering knock included four consecutive sixes off left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie in a 10th over that went for 28 runs. Far from slogging recklessly, David was so in control that he turned down singles to keep the strike from Mitch Owen at the other end.

Owen, who hit a 39-ball hundred in this year’s BBL final for the Hobart Hurricanes, played second fiddle as David punished a poor West Indian attack.

Tim David of Australia celebrates his century during the third T20 against the West Indies.Credit: AFP

After racing to 82 off 26 balls, David briefly rotated the strike before finishing with a flourish, hitting a boundary to fine leg to finish unbeaten on 102 from 37 balls. David hit 11 sixes, with only Aaron Finch (14) clubbing more during his 156 off 63 balls against England in 2013.

Australia chased down the target with 23 balls to spare, with David and Owen (36 not out off 16) combining for a 128-run stand – the highest fifth-wicket partnership in Australian T20I history.

Brandon King dropped an easy catch in the outfield when David was on 90 from 30 balls.

David’s century surpassed Inglis’ 43-ball hundred against Scotland last year, and bettered Glenn Maxwell’s 40-ball ton against the Netherlands in 2023.

It also ranks as the third-fastest T20I hundred by a player from a full member nation, behind only India’s Rohit Sharma and South Africa’s David Miller, who both made centuries in 35 balls.

“I was just having a great time out in the middle,” David said on ESPN’s broadcast after play.

“I didn’t think I would have the opportunity to score a hundred for Australia. I am grateful for that opportunity and pretty stoked.

“The pitch was good and obviously there was a strong breeze and small boundary so you’ve got to back your strengths and it’s probably best when I am attacking them.”

Australia lead the series 3-0 with two games remaining.