Picture Credit: Twitter
French opening batter, Gustav McKeon has carved his name in the history books by becoming the youngest male batter to smash a century in T20 international cricket. The Frenchman achieved the feat during the third T20 World Cup 2024 Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier tournament in Finland.
At the age of 18 years and 280 days, McKeon smashed 109 off 61 deliveries with the help of five four and nine sixes against Switzerland in Vantaa. With his knock, McKeon has shattered the world record previously held by Afghanistan's Zazai, who clobbered an unbeaten 162 off 62 balls against Ireland in 2019. He was just 20 years and 333 days old when he played the innings. Prior to historic ton, McKeon had scored 76 off 54 balls against Czech Republic and due to his incredible form with the bat, he is the top run-getter in the tournament with 185 runs at a strike rate of 161 and an average of 92.50.
List of youngest men’s player to score a T20I century:
Gustav McKeon - 18y 280d, France v Switzerland, Vantaa, 2022
Hazratullah Zazai - 20y 337d, Afghanistan v Ireland, Dehradun, 2019
Sivakumar Periyalwar - 21y 161d, Romania v Turkey, Ilfov County, 2019
Orchide Tuyisenge, 21y 190d, Rwanda v Seychelles, Kigali, 2021
Dipendra Singh Airee, 22y 68d, Nepal v Malaysia, Kathmandu, 2022.
However, Mckeon's record breaking innings went in vain as France ended up on the losing side in a nail-biting thriller. While chasing 158, Switzerland skipper and opening batter Faheem Nazir provided flying start to his side as he smashed 67 off 46 deliveries. Ali Nayyer too made a valuable contribution with his unbeaten blitz knock of 48 in 16 balls, including three fours and four sixes.
Ironically, McKeon bowled the final over of the game and conceded 16 runs and hence, Switzerland ensured victory in the game. Post-match, France and Switzerland now have two points in Group 2. Norway is leading the group with two wins in as many as games,, while Czech Republic and Estonia are yet to win a single game.