Scoring a triple century in First-Class cricket is one of the hardest challenges for a batter. It takes great skill and patience. Not many can achieve this milestone quickly. Among the many records in cricket, the fastest triple century is an extraordinary feat. This article will highlight the fastest triple centuries in First-Class cricket, featuring players from different parts of the world, including India.
What is First-Class Cricket?
First-class cricket is one of the oldest formats of the game. It started in the 1770s and became official in 1895. The matches are played over three or more days. Teams from different competitions take part in this format, which is highly respected because of its tough nature. Scoring the fastest triple century in this format requires skill and remarkable endurance.
1. Tanmay Agarwal – 147 balls (2024)
Hyderabad’s Tanmay Agarwal holds the record for the fastest triple century in First-Class cricket. He scored 300 runs off just 147 balls against Arunachal Pradesh during the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy. Agarwal went on to score 366 runs in 181 balls, with 34 fours and 26 sixes. Hyderabad won the match by an innings and 187 runs.
2. Marco Marais – 191 balls (2017)
South Africa’s Marco Marais ranks second for the fastest triple century. He scored 300 runs off 191 balls playing for Border against Eastern Province. Marais hit 35 fours and 13 sixes in his brilliant innings, and his team declared at 512/4.
3. Snehal Kauthankar – 205 balls (2025)
Goa’s Snehal Kauthankar made his triple century in just 205 balls during a 2024-25 Ranji Trophy match against Arunachal Pradesh. His unbeaten 314 runs included 45 fours and 4 sixes. Goa won the match by an innings and 551 runs. His innings stand as one of the fastest triple centuries in the history of the Ranji Trophy.
4. Ken Rutherford – 234 balls (1986)
Ken Rutherford from New Zealand scored 317 runs off 234 balls in a match against DB Close’s XI in Scarborough. This inning still holds the record for the fastest triple century by a New Zealand player in First-Class cricket.
5. Viv Richards – 244 balls (1985)
Viv Richards, one of the most famous and feared batsmen, scored the fastest triple century off 244 balls while playing for Somerset against Warwickshire in 1985. His innings of 322 runs displayed his aggressive style, making him one of the most entertaining players of his era.
6. Kusal Perera – 244 balls (2013)
Kusal Perera holds the record for the fastest triple century by a Sri Lankan player. He scored 336 runs from 275 balls for Colts CC against Saracens SC. His team declared at 611/8, thanks to his remarkable innings.
7. Kithuruwan Vithanage – 245 balls (2015)
Sri Lanka’s Kithuruwan Vithanage made his triple century in 245 balls. He played for Tamil Union CAC against Sri Lanka Air Force SC in 2015. His team declared at 650/8 and won the match by an innings and 287 runs. His innings rank among the fastest triple centuries in Sri Lankan First-Class cricket.
8. Graeme Smith – 249 balls (2005)
South Africa’s Graeme Smith scored his fastest triple century off 249 balls while playing for Somerset against Leicestershire. His knock of 311 runs helped his team win by ten wickets.
9. Kashyap Bakle – 269 balls (2024)
Goa’s Kashyap Bakle scored his triple century in 269 balls during the 2024 Ranji Trophy match against Arunachal Pradesh. His unbeaten 300 runs came as part of a record-breaking 606-run partnership, making his innings one of the fastest triple centuries in recent times.
10. Ramesh Mendis – 270 balls (2020)
Sri Lanka’s Ramesh Mendis scored an unbeaten fastest triple century in 270 balls. He played for Moors Sports Club in 2020. His team declared at 652/8, and this remains Mendis’ highest score in First-Class cricket.
Conclusion
These records show the amazing talent and stamina required to score the fastest triple century in First-Class cricket. Players like Tanmay Agarwal, Marco Marais, and Viv Richards have left their mark with these lightning-fast 300s. Triple centuries are rare, but achieving them quickly makes these players’ performances even more memorable.
Also Read: Mushfiqur Rahim Makes History as Bangladesh’s First to 6,000 Test Runs
