Shahzad smashes Pakistan’s fastest first-class century

Pakistan Television batsman Muhammad Shahzad on Thursday scored the fastest first-class century, reaching the milestone in just 49 balls on the opening day of the President’s Trophy third round against Kingsmen Academy at the Diamond Club Ground in Islamabad.

Dera Ghazi Khan-born Shahzad surpassed the previous record held by former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq, who had scored a 56-ball century against Australia in 2014.

The century is also the world's eighth-fastest in domestic first-class cricket history.

Shahzad went on to score 114 off 62 balls, smashing 12 fours and eight sixes. The innings marked his sixth first-class century which also enabled PTV reach 285-7 in their first innings.

Mohammad Taha hit 43 off 72 deliveries, including six fours, while Yasir Khan made 13 off 40 balls with one boundary. Sharoon Siraj contributed 16 off 46 deliveries, hitting three fours, while Ammar and Waqar Hussain scored five and two runs respectively.