Who Scored a Century in Just 3 Overs? The Story of Don Bradman’s Unofficial World Record

Sir Donald Bradman is universally regarded as the greatest batsman in cricket history. Among his many achievements, one stands out as a near-mythical performance: scoring 100 runs in just 3 overs.

While this wasn’t a Test or first-class match, Bradman’s performance in a 1931 charity game at Blackheath Oval continues to spark debate, admiration, and awe.

The Day Bradman Scored 100 in 3 Overs

Match Overview

• Date: 2 November 1931
• Location: Blackheath Oval, New South Wales, Australia
• Teams: Blackheath XI vs Lithgow District XI
• Occasion: Fundraiser to inaugurate a new concrete pitch
• Match Type: Exhibition / non-first-class game

This match was organized as a social event in the Blue Mountains region. The local cricket association invited Bradman, who was already a national icon, to participate and draw a crowd. His innings turned into an unforgettable display of dominance.

Why the Century Was Possible in Just 3 Overs

During that era, Australian domestic cricket used 8-ball overs (which remained in use until 1979). As a result, 3 overs equaled 24 balls, not 18 as in modern-day formats.

Bradman scored his 100 within those 24 deliveries, facing most of them thanks to his partner Wendell Bill, taking singles to rotate the strike.

Breakdown of the Overs:

Bradman continued batting after the 100, ultimately retiring on 256 runs, which included 29 fours and 14 sixes. The match was not officially recorded by cricket boards, but it was widely reported in newspapers and later recalled by cricket historians.

Did Bradman Score 100 in 22 Balls?

Yes. According to multiple historical records, Bradman faced 22 of the 24 balls across the three overs. That equates to 100 runs in 22 balls, making it the fastest known century in terms of balls faced, albeit in an unofficial match.

Even today, this would surpass all known professional records. However, because it occurred in a non-first-class setting, the International Cricket Council (ICC) does not officially recognize it.

Bradman's Batting Career: Centuries and Records

Despite playing only 52 Test matches, Bradman set records that remain untouched even after decades of professional cricket.

Test Career Summary

First-Class Career Summary

His score of 452 not out came in a first-class match for New South Wales against Queensland in 1930. This remained the highest individual score in first-class cricket until Brian Lara’s 501* in 1994.

How Bradman’s Century Compares to Fast Centuries Today

To place Bradman’s feat in a modern context, here’s a comparison with the fastest hundreds in recognized professional matches:

Bradman’s 22-ball century remains unmatched, even in unofficial games, despite the advent of power-hitting and T20 innovations.

Eyewitness Accounts and Newspaper Reports

Even though Bradman’s 3-over century wasn’t in an official match, people who saw it never forgot it.

• Wendell Bill, Bradman’s batting partner, later said:
  • “I just gave him a single and watched the magic. He hit almost every ball for four or six.”
• Horrie Baker, the bowler who gave away 73 runs in two overs, admitted:
  • “I wasn’t bowling badly—he was just unstoppable.”
• A local newspaper, the Lithgow Mercury, wrote the next day:
  • “The crowd came for fun but saw something unforgettable. Bradman’s hitting was pure genius.”
• A.C. Whitfield, another bowler, recalled:
  • “We couldn’t stop him. He always hit where no fielder was.”

These stories helped keep Bradman’s amazing 100 in 3 overs alive, even without official records or video clips.

Pitch and Game Conditions in 1931

Understanding Bradman’s feat requires a sense of the era:

• Pitches: Mostly uncovered, dusty, and unpredictable.
• Equipment: Players used heavy, natural willow bats and minimal protective gear.
• Fielding: No fielding restrictions, no boundary ropes (usually fences or natural landmarks).
• Bowling Attacks: In local or exhibition matches, the quality of bowling varied drastically.

Despite these differences, Bradman's ability to dominate regardless of conditions demonstrates his exceptional vision, footwork, and shot selection.

When Did Don Bradman Pass Away?

Sir Donald Bradman passed away on 25 February 2001 in Adelaide, South Australia, at the age of 92. He had retired from professional cricket in 1948 and was knighted in 1949, becoming the only Australian cricketer to receive that honour while still playing.

Did Anyone Score a Century in 3 Overs in T20?

No professional or international player has ever scored a century within 3 overs in T20 cricket.

The closest example would be Chris Gayle's 100 off 30 balls in an IPL match in 2013. While T20 has seen rapid scoring, 100 runs in 18 legal balls (3 overs of 6 balls each) has never been achieved.

It is worth noting that in T10 leagues and amateur cricket, some quick hundreds have been claimed unofficially, but none have been verified or accepted as records.

Century That Transcends Time

Don Bradman's century in three overs remains one of the most astonishing stories in cricket. While unofficial, it reflects the unmatched skill and aura of a player who rewrote the limits of batting.

Modern cricket may have bigger sixes, better bats, and fast-paced formats, but Bradman’s consistency, footwork, and dominance remain unparalleled. His ability to read the game, manipulate bowlers, and score at will makes his legacy timeless.

In an era without video highlights, this 3-over century still echoes across generations through stories, records, and the mystique of cricket’s greatest legend.

Bradman's Legacy

Sir Donald Bradman's influence on cricket transcends his extraordinary statistics. With a Test batting average of 99.94, he is widely regarded as the greatest batsman in the history of the sport. His technique, concentration, and consistency set new standards, inspiring generations of cricketers worldwide. Bradman's contributions helped elevate cricket's popularity, particularly in Australia, where he became a national hero.

Comparison Table: Fastest Centuries in Cricket

*Bradman's 22-ball century occurred in an era of 8-ball overs.

Did You Know?

Bradman's 3-over century is so legendary that it's often cited as one of the greatest feats in cricket folklore, even though it's not officially recognized by the ICC. The bat he used during this innings is displayed at the International Cricket Hall of Fame in Bowral, Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Was Don Bradman’s 100 in 3 overs ever officially recognized?

No, Bradman’s 100 in 3 overs was scored during an exhibition match in 1931 and is not officially recognized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) or any other cricket governing body. 

2. How many balls did Bradman face to score his 100?

Bradman faced 22 of the 24 balls bowled across the three overs, scoring 100 runs in those 22 balls. 

3. Who were the bowlers during Bradman’s 100 in 3 overs?

The bowlers were Horrie Baker and A.C. Whitfield. Baker bowled the first and second overs, while Whitfield bowled the third. 

4. What were the conditions like during the match?

The match was played on a concrete pitch, which was a novelty at the time. The game was organized as a fundraiser to inaugurate this new type of pitch.

5. Did Bradman continue batting after scoring 100?

Yes, Bradman continued his innings after reaching 100, eventually retiring on 256 runs. 

6. Has any professional cricketer scored a century in 3 overs?

No, no professional or international player has ever scored a century within 3 overs in official cricket matches.