From India’s Sachin Tendulkar to Bangladesh’s Mohammad Ashraful, cricket has witnessed some incredible young prodigies rewriting history in the toughest format of the game — Test cricket. These teenage sensations not only defied age but also proved that talent and temperament matter more than experience.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: Carrying the Legacy Forward
India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal recently turned heads with yet another commanding century against the West Indies in the second IND vs WI Test.
At just 23 years old, the left-handed opener already boasts seven Test centuries and eight international hundreds — a phenomenal record for someone so early in their career.
But Jaiswal’s rise reminds us of an elite group of cricketers who achieved the milestone even earlier — as teenagers. Let’s look at the top five youngest players ever to score a Test century.
5️⃣ Imran Nazir (Pakistan) – 18 years, 154 days
In 2000, Imran Nazir showcased his aggressive flair by smashing 105 runs against the West Indies in Bridgetown. At just 18 years and 154 days old, the Pakistani youngster announced himself as one to watch, blending fearless stroke play with natural confidence.
4️⃣ Hamilton Masakadza (Zimbabwe) – 17 years, 354 days
Zimbabwe’s Hamilton Masakadza made headlines in 2001 when he scored 119 runs against the West Indies in Harare. Aged only 17 years and 354 days, he became a symbol of promise for Zimbabwean cricket — a country then still establishing its identity on the global stage.
3️⃣ Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 17 years, 107 days
The “Little Master” Sachin Tendulkar needs no introduction. The legend’s first of 100 international centuries came in 1990 at Manchester, where he struck an unbeaten 119 against England at just 17 years and 107 days old.
That innings was a glimpse into the greatness that would define cricket for decades — setting the tone for a career spanning 24 years and crowned by a 2011 World Cup victory.
2️⃣ Mushtaq Mohammad (Pakistan) – 17 years, 78 days
Before modern-day cricketing prodigies, there was Mushtaq Mohammad, who scored 101 runs against India in Delhi in 1961 — at only 17 years and 78 days old.
His achievement came in an era when protective gear was minimal, pitches were unpredictable, and scoring a century against India was an act of both skill and bravery.
1️⃣ Mohammad Ashraful (Bangladesh) – 17 years, 61 days
Topping the list is Bangladesh’s Mohammad Ashraful, the youngest-ever Test centurion in cricket history.
In 2001, at just 17 years and 61 days, Ashraful struck a stunning 114 against Sri Lanka in Colombo. His fearless batting symbolized the rise of a new cricketing nation and remains one of the most celebrated moments in Bangladesh’s cricketing story.
The Future Awaits
From Mushtaq Mohammad’s grit to Ashraful’s flair and Tendulkar’s genius, these teenage milestones are more than records — they are reminders of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.
With rising stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal continuing the tradition, the next teenage cricket sensation might not be too far away.
