France’s Gustav McKeon becomes the youngest player to score a century in men’s T20Is

As a part of the T20 World Cup 2024 Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier, France locked horns with Switzerland at Vantaa on Monday.

French teenage opener Gustav McKeon charted a record-breaking knock to become the youngest player to score a century at the international game in the shortest format of the game. He managed to achieve the feat at the age of 18 years and 280 days.

Playing his second international match, McKeon played an explosive knock of 109 runs off 61 deliveries which included five fours and nine sixes. 

The young Frenchman has scored 185 runs in the tournament so far at a strike rate of 161 and an average of 92.50. In his debut match against the Czech Republic, McKeon smashed 76 from 54 balls.

At the age of 20 years and 337 days, Afghanistan opener Hazratullah Zazai held the record when he scored an unbeaten 162 from 62 deliveries against Ireland in 2019. However, on Monday, McKeon surpassed him and became the youngest player to do so.

Switzerland’s last ball victory against France

Batting first, McKeon’s terrific century helped France put a score of 157 on board. However, the youngster ended up on the losing side despite the hundred as Switzerland chased the target in the last over with one wicket remaining.

Switzerland’s skipper, Faheem Nazir led from the front and scored a 46-ball 67. Middle-order batter, Ali Nayyer batted fiercely in the final over as he smashed 12 off the last three deliveries helping Switzerland win the nail-biting match.

France and Switzerland are in Group 2 of the tournament. After Switzerland’s win over France yesterday, both countries are tied in the group standings with two points each.

The winner of the third Sub-Regional tournament will participate in the Europe Qualifier next year against European teams like the Netherlands, Ireland and Scotland.