Muhammad Shahzad has set a new record for the fastest first-class century by a Pakistani batter, reaching the milestone in 49 balls during the President’s Trophy Grade-I.
Playing for Pakistan Television (PTV) against Kingsmen Academy at the Diamond Cricket Ground, the 22-year-old broke the previous national record held by Misbah-ul-Haq. Misbah had scored a 56-ball century against Australia in 2014, a benchmark that stood for 12 years until Shahzad’s performance on the opening day of Round 3.
Shahzad was eventually dismissed for 114 off 62 deliveries, an innings that included 12 fours and eight sixes. His strike rate helped PTV reach 285-7 in 58 overs before rain ended play on Day 1. The achievement is tied as the eighth-fastest first-class century in global cricket history.
The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed the record on social media, stating: “4️⃣ 9️⃣ balls. A new Pakistan first-class record! Mohammad Shahzad smashes the fastest first-class by a batter, and 8th overall, in the Al Batal Presents ABS Developers President’s Trophy Grade-I clash against Kingsmen Academy.”
This record-breaking innings occurred in the same round that saw Babar Azam return to domestic first-class cricket for the first time since December 2019. Azam is representing OGDCL against KRL in Abbottabad. While the spotlight was on the former national captain’s comeback, Shahzad’s 49-ball feat has emerged as the headline development of the round.
As the match between PTV and Kingsmen Academy enters Day 2, Shahzad’s contribution has placed PTV in a strong position in their first-innings effort. The world record for the fastest first-class century remains 27 balls, shared by Glen Chapple and Mark Pettini.
