Heinrich Klaasen equals third-fastest IPL hundred with explosive 37-ball knock

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s explosive middle-order batter Heinrich Klaasen delivered a breathtaking display of power-hitting on Sunday, smashing a 37-ball century against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. His blistering knock saw him equal the record for the third-fastest hundred in IPL history, previously set by Yusuf Pathan in 2010 against Mumbai Indians.

This innings marked Klaasen’s second IPL century and was a masterclass in controlled aggression and clinical ball-striking. The South African’s powerful hitting dismantled the KKR bowling attack, as he peppered all parts of the ground with boundaries and sixes, leaving the crowd and opposition stunned.

Sky is not the limit when he`s batting! 🫡

🎥 Glimpse of the en route his mind-blowing 105*(39) 🚀

Scorecard ▶ #TATAIPL | #SRHvKKR | @SunRisers pic.twitter.com/WaOSR90wrg

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 25, 2025

Only Chris Gayle, with his iconic 30-ball century in 2013, and rising star Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who achieved his ton in 35 deliveries earlier this season, have reached triple figures faster in the tournament’s illustrious history.

Klaasen’s fireworks were instrumental in propelling Sunrisers Hyderabad to a mammoth total of 278 for three, the third-highest team score ever recorded in IPL history. His knock not only revived SRH’s momentum mid-innings but also laid the foundation for what turned out to be an unassailable total.

With this ton, the right-hander now has three centuries in the T20 format overall. In his 247-match career (226 innings), Klaasen has accumulated more than 5,600 runs, maintaining an impressive strike rate exceeding 150, a testament to his ability to score rapidly and consistently.

Alongside his three centuries, Klaasen has also compiled 34 half-centuries, underlining his value in the shorter formats. Whether it’s against spin or pace, his ability to adapt and counterattack makes him a key asset for any T20 side he represents.

Below is how Klaasen`s milestone stacks up among the quickest hundreds in IPL:

• 30 balls – Chris Gayle (Royal Challengers Bangalore) vs Pune Warriors India, Bengaluru, 2013
• 35 balls – Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals) vs Gujarat Titans, Jaipur, 2025
• 37 balls – Yusuf Pathan (Rajasthan Royals) vs Mumbai Indians, Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, 2010
• 37 balls – Heinrich Klaasen (Sunrisers Hyderabad) vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi, 2025*
• 38 balls – David Miller (Kings XI Punjab) vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mohali, 2013

This article first appeared on Mid Day