Shanaka smashes fastest CPL century in 39 balls

Dasun Shanaka blasted the fastest century in Caribbean Premier League history as the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots hammered the St Lucia Kings by 137 runs.

Shanaka walked in with the Patriots on 89 for 2 after 10 overs and initially took his time before launching an explosive performance. He reached his fifty off 24 balls and completed his century from just 39 deliveries.

The Sri Lankan all-rounder finished unbeaten on 121 off 43 balls, smashing eight fours and 12 sixes. He scored 28 runs from the final over alone, hitting Keon Gaston for four sixes and a boundary to bring up his record-breaking hundred.

Shanaka also shared a devastating 31-ball stand worth 93 runs with fellow Sri Lankan Wanindu Hasaranga. The Patriots finished on 235 in 20 overs.

The Kings never came close in the chase, folding for just 98 as the Patriots' bowlers kept them under relentless pressure. Jeremiah Louis, who had played only 10 T20 matches before the game, claimed his maiden five-wicket haul, while Hasaranga also troubled the Kings with his spin.

The emphatic win lifted the Patriots' net run rate from -0.547 to 0.593 and boosted their playoff hopes. They are fifth in the standings with seven points from eight matches.