There have been many impressive hits in cricket, but nothing makes a fan happier than watching a player raise their bat after scoring a century. Whether you’re at home or in the stadium, it’s a moment filled with magic, pressure, and pride. the race for the Most Centuries in International Cricket becomes even more thrilling for fans around the world.
Top Players With The Most International CenturiesÂ
| Rank | Player | Country | Tests | ODIs | T20Is | Total |
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | India | 51 | 49 | 0 | 100 |
| 2 | Virat Kohli | India | 30 | 51 | 1 | 82 |
| 3 | Ricky Ponting | Australia | 41 | 30 | 0 | 71 |
| 4 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 38 | 25 | 0 | 63 |
| 5 | Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 45 | 17 | 0 | 62 |
| 6 | Hashim Amla | South Africa | 28 | 27 | 0 | 55 |
| 7 | Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 34 | 19 | 1 | 54 |
| 8 | Brian Lara | West Indies | 34 | 19 | – | 53 |
| 9 | David Warner | Australia | 26 | 22 | 1 | 49 |
| 10 | Joe Root | England | 39 | 19 | 0 | 58 |
1. Sachin TendulkarÂ
Sachin made his debut in 1989 and retired in 2013, playing 664 international matches and scoring 34,357 runs. He amassed 100 international centuries, a landmark that may never be broken. Starting at just 16 years old and scoring his first century at 17, he carried India’s hopes for over two decades with technique, hunger and unwavering consistency.Â
2. Virat KohliÂ
Debuting in 2008 and still active, Kohli has played around 550 matches and scored approximately 27,599 runs. With ~82 centuries and a batting average of 52.27, his consistency in modern cricket is striking. Known as the chase-master, he has often delivered in high-pressure situations and has redefined what batting in run-chases looks like.Â
3. Ricky PontingÂ
Ponting made his international debut in 1995 and retired in 2012, playing 560 matches and scoring 27,483 runs. His 71 centuries helped Australia dominate world cricket throughout the 2000s, especially under his captaincy. With an average of about 45.95 and a best score of 257, Ponting blended aggression, leadership and batting mastery.Â
4. Kumar SangakkaraÂ
Sangakkara debuted in 2000 and retired in 2015, playing 594 matches and scoring 28,016 runs. He scored 63 centuries with an average of 46.77 and a highest score of 319. Known for his elegant left-hand technique and intelligence on the field, Sangakkara’s batting looked effortless and classy, inspiring young cricketers globally.Â
5. Jacques KallisÂ
Kallis played from 1995 to 2014, appearing in 519 matches and scoring 25,534 runs. He claimed 62 centuries with an average of 49.10 and a top score of 224. What sets Kallis apart is that he achieved these batting feats while also bowling and fielding at a top level. He’s widely regarded as the most complete all-rounder in cricket history.
6. Joe RootÂ
Root made his debut in 2012 and is active as of 2025, having played 372 matches and scored 21,637 runs. With 57 centuries and an average of around 49.62, he has risen quickly among the modern greats. The Yorkshire-born batter is known for his hunger for big scores, strong conversion rate (turning fifties into hundreds) and for scoring all around the world.
7. Hashim AmlaÂ
Amla played from 2004 to 2019, scoring 18,672 runs in 349 matches. He notched up 55 centuries, with a highest score of 311 and an average of 46.56. Renowned for his calm composure, flawless timing and humility, Amla’s batting was both beautiful and formidable, especially given his ability to convert starts into big scores.Â
8. Mahela JayawardeneÂ
Jayawardene played from 1997 to 2015, scoring 25,957 runs in 652 matches. He collected 54 centuries, with a best of 374 and an average of 39.15. His elegant style, consistency and big-match temperament (especially in ICC tournaments) made him one of the most stylish and dependable batters of his era.Â
9. Brian LaraÂ
Lara’s international career spanned from 1990 to 2007, playing 430 matches and scoring 22,358 runs. He scored 53 centuries, with a highest score of 400* and an average of 46.28. Lara was pure artistry with the bat, capable of turning the game single-handedly, especially when his team was in trouble. His flair and big innings made him one of cricket’s most beloved batting geniuses.Â
10. David WarnerÂ
Warner debuted in 2009 and retired in 2024, playing 383 matches and scoring 18,995 runs. He racked up 49 centuries, with a high of 335 and an average of 42.39. Known for his explosive opening batting, Warner revolutionised the way openers played, especially in limited-overs cricket. His quick scoring and aggressive intent influenced a new generation of batters.
Conclusion
Every century is more than just a number on the scoreboard. It’s a battle against pressure against the pitch, the bowler, the expectations of millions, and sometimes even against one’s own self-doubt. A century is a moment of magic where timing, temperament, and belief all come together perfectly. And for fans, it becomes a memory that stays forever.
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