AB de Villiers – 3 centuries
“Mr 360”, arguably South Africa’s finest white-ball batsman, combined invention with composure. De Villiers often took control of innings where tempo needed to be created rather than followed, delivering some of the most influential knocks in IPL history.
- 105*(54 balls, 10 fours, 5 sixes, SR 194.44) for Delhi Daredevils vs Chennai Super Kings (2009)
- 133* (59 balls, 19 fours, 4 sixes, SR 225.42) for Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians (2015)
- 129* (52 balls, 10 fours, 12 sixes, SR 248.07) for Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Lions (2016)
Quinton de Kock – 3 centuries
A natural aggressor at the top of the order, De Kock’s centuries are built on early dominance. He sets the tone in the powerplay and sustains it deep into the innings. His unbeaten 140 remains the highest IPL score by a South African.
- 108 (51 balls, 15 fours, 3 sixes, SR 211.76) for Delhi Daredevils vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (2016)
- 140* (70 balls, 10 fours, 10 sixes, SR 200.00) for Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2022)
- 112* (60 balls, 8 fours, 7 sixes SR 186.67) for Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings (2026)
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Heinrich Klaasen – 2 centuries
A modern middle-order batsman who thrives against spin, arguably the best South African T20 batsman since AB de Villiers. Klaasen combines strong middle-overs acceleration with clear intent in high-scoring contests. He is also the 2nd leading run-scorer in this season’s IPL, underlining his form and influence at the crease.
- 104 (51 balls, 8 fours, 6 sixes, SR 203.92) for Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (2023)
- 105* (39 balls, 7 fours, 9 sixes, SR 269.23) for Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2025)
Hashim Amla – 2 centuries
A contrasting figure on this list, Amla brought a measured, orthodox approach to T20 cricket. His success was built on timing, placement and control rather than brute force, offering a different blueprint for T20 batting.
- 104* (60 balls, 8 fours, 6 sixes, SR 173.33) for Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians (2017)
- 104 (60 balls, 8 fours, 5 sixes, SR 173.33) for Kings XI Punjab vs Gujarat Lions (2017)
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David Miller – 1 century
One of the IPL’s most established finishers. Miller’s unbeaten 101 in 2013 remains a defining example of how a lower-order innings can completely transform a match in a short space of time.
- 101* (38 balls, 8 fours, 7 sixes, SR 265.78) for Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (2013)
Photo: REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas
