Top 10 Youngest Players to Score a Century in Test Cricket

Scoring a century in Test cricket is a proud moment for any cricketer. But imagine doing that before even turning 20! Some rare talents have achieved this remarkable milestone at a very young age, proving that age is just a number when it comes to skill and determination. In this article, we take a deep look at the Youngest Players to Score a Century in Test cricket, their achievements, and the inspiring stories behind their powerful debuts.

List of Top 10 Youngest Players to Score a Century in Test Cricket

10. Nafis Iqbal

One of the Youngest Players to Score a Century in Test, Nafis Iqbal made headlines in January 2005 with a solid century against Zimbabwe. At just 19 years and 75 days, he showcased a calm and classical batting approach that surprised many cricket enthusiasts. Playing at the Bangabandhu National Stadium, Nafis held his ground with maturity and confidence. His knock of 121 runs helped Bangladesh stabilize their innings and gave fans hope about the emerging cricket talent in the country.

Country	Opponent	Age at Century	Score
Bangladesh	Zimbabwe	19 years 75 days	121

9. Mohammad Ilyas

Among the Youngest Players to Score a Century in Test, Mohammad Ilyas made his mark way back in 1965. Facing New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi, he batted with a flair rarely seen in players of his age. At 19 years and 21 days, Ilyas impressed with his elegant stroke play and calmness at the crease. His innings of 126 runs came at a time when Pakistan was still building its cricketing identity, and his performance added weight to the nation’s cricketing promise.

Country	Opponent	Age at Century	Score
Pakistan	New Zealand	19 years 21 days	126

8. Shahid Afridi

Well known for his explosive ODI centuries, Shahid Afridi is also one of the Youngest Players to Score a Century in Test. At 18 years and 333 days, he smashed 141 runs against India at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in 1999. The innings was filled with powerful strokes and fearless intent exactly the kind of batting Afridi was known for. While his Test career didn’t last long, this century remains one of his most memorable knocks in red-ball cricket.

Country	Opponent	Age at Century	Score
Pakistan	India	18 years 333 days	141

7. Prithvi Shaw

Prithvi Shaw burst onto the international Test scene in 2018 and became one of the Youngest Players to Score a Century in Test for India. He scored a remarkable 134 runs on debut against the West Indies at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium. Aged 18 years and 329 days, Shaw impressed everyone with his aggressive intent and mature shot selection. His century gave India a strong platform and marked the arrival of another exciting young batting talent.

Country	Opponent	Age at Century	Score
India	West Indies	18 years 329 days	134

6. Saleem Malik

Saleem Malik displayed exceptional talent when he became one of the Youngest Players to Score a Century in Test cricket. In March 1982, at the National Stadium in Karachi, he scored 100 not out against Sri Lanka at the age of 18 years and 323 days. His technique and ability to absorb pressure were way beyond his years. This century marked the beginning of a long and impactful career in the Pakistan middle order.

Country	Opponent	Age at Century	Score
Pakistan	Sri Lanka	18 years 323 days	100*

5. Imran Nazir

Imran Nazir is remembered for his fearless batting and aggressive starts. At just 18 years and 154 days, he became one of the Youngest Players to Score a Century in Test cricket. His knock of 131 runs against the West Indies at the Kensington Oval in 2000 displayed his natural talent and flair. Though his Test career was short-lived, this powerful innings remains one of the brightest moments of his early career.

Country	Opponent	Age at Century	Score
Pakistan	West Indies	18 years 154 days	131

4. Hamilton Masakadza

Hamilton Masakadza made history in 2001 when he scored 119 runs against the West Indies in Harare. At 17 years and 352 days, he became not just Zimbabwe’s youngest Test centurion but also one of the Youngest Players to Score a Century in Test history. His innings was full of composure and determination, signaling that Zimbabwe had unearthed a truly gifted batsman.

Country	Opponent	Age at Century	Score
Zimbabwe	West Indies	17 years 352 days	119

3. Sachin Tendulkar

Regarded as one of the greatest to ever play the game, Sachin Tendulkar’s first Test century came at the age of 17 years and 107 days, making him one of the Youngest Players to Score a Century in Test. Facing England at Old Trafford in 1990, he scored 119 not out, rescuing India from defeat and showcasing his incredible talent. This innings was just the beginning of a historic career that would inspire generations.

Country	Opponent	Age at Century	Score
India	England	17 years 107 days	119*

2. Mushtaq Mohammad

In 1961, Mushtaq Mohammad made history by scoring 101 runs against India at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. He was just 17 years and 78 days old, making him one of the Youngest Players to Score a Century in Test cricket. He was praised for his temperament, footwork, and ability to handle pressure. His name is still spoken with admiration in Pakistan’s cricket circles.

Country	Opponent	Age at Century	Score
Pakistan	India	17 years 78 days	101

1. Mohammad Ashraful

Topping the list of Youngest Players to Score a Century in Test, Mohammad Ashraful created history for Bangladesh in 2001. Playing against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, he scored a brilliant 114 runs at just 17 years and 61 days. This record-breaking knock is still celebrated in Bangladesh cricket. His fearless stroke play, confidence, and elegance made him a sensation overnight and a symbol of hope for a young cricketing nation.

Country	Opponent	Age at Century	Score
Bangladesh	Sri Lanka	17 years 61 days	114

READ MORE:

• Top 10 Youngest Players to Smash a Triple Century in Test Cricket
• Top 10 Youngest Players to Score a Double Century in Test: Historic Young Heroes

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