Scoring a century in international cricket is a dream for every batter. But scoring it consistently against the same opponent is a rare achievement. It means the player not only mastered their batting skills but also dominated a particular team across years. In this article, we count down the Top 10 players with the Most International Centuries Against One Team. These legendary players proved time and again that they could perform under pressure, read bowlers well, and convert their starts into big scores against specific rivals.
List of Top 10 Most International Centuries Against One Team
10. Mahela Jayawardene vs England – 13 Centuries

Mahela Jayawardene was one of Sri Lanka’s most graceful and intelligent batters, and his record against England proves his class. Scoring 13 centuries against England, Jayawardene ranks among players with the Most International Centuries Against One Team, displaying patience, timing, and technical mastery in all conditions. From the swinging pitches of Lord’s to the spin-friendly surfaces of Galle, he knew how to build an innings.
He often rescued Sri Lanka from pressure situations with his calmness at the crease. Jayawardene’s centuries were built on solid partnerships and brilliant stroke play. His performance was not just about individual brilliance but also about lifting his team. His repeated dominance makes him a rightful entry in the list of Most International Centuries Against One Team.
Player | Opponent | Matches | Innings | Centuries |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mahela Jayawardene | England | 75 | 89 | 13 |
9. Joe Root vs India – 13 Centuries

Joe Root, England’s modern batting genius, has had a special relationship with scoring runs against India. He has notched up 13 centuries against them, proving his ability to handle world-class bowling in both home and subcontinent conditions. Whether facing spin in Chennai or pace at Lord’s, Root remained composed and clinical.
He reads the game well, keeps rotating strike, and plays long innings that tire out bowlers. His sharp footwork and understanding of Indian conditions make him one of the best batters against India. Root’s repeated success confirms his place in the elite list of Most International Centuries Against One Team.
Player | Opponent | Matches | Innings | Centuries |
---|---|---|---|---|
Joe Root | India | 59 | 81 | 13 |
8. Sunil Gavaskar vs West Indies – 13 Centuries

Sunil Gavaskar set new standards in world cricket by consistently performing against the feared West Indies pace attack. With 13 centuries to his name, he ranks among the players with the Most International Centuries Against One Team. Gavaskar stood out as one of the bravest and most technically sound openers of his era, facing bowlers like Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, and Joel Garner without a helmet and still coming out on top.
During a time when the West Indies ruled world cricket, Gavaskar quietly built his legacy with calmness and solid technique. His success against such a mighty attack highlights why he belongs in the list of Most International Centuries Against One Team.
Player | Opponent | Matches | Innings | Centuries |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sunil Gavaskar | West Indies | 38 | 59 | 13 |
7. Ricky Ponting vs India – 14 Centuries

Ricky Ponting was Australia’s aggressive leader and one of the most feared batters of his time. With 14 international centuries against India, Ponting is among the players with the Most International Centuries Against One Team. He enjoyed facing one of his fiercest rivals, often standing tall in high-pressure matches and playing big knocks in big games, especially in ICC tournaments.
Ponting’s hundreds came through strong pulls, drives, and unrelenting pressure on the bowlers. His performance in the 2003 World Cup final is still one of the finest innings ever played. His repeated domination of India secures his position in the group of legends with the Most International Centuries Against One Team.
Player | Opponent | Matches | Innings | Centuries |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ricky Ponting | India | 89 | 111 | 14 |
6. Steve Smith vs India – 14 Centuries

Australia’s star batter Steve Smith has been a constant challenge for India. With 14 centuries, he has shown unmatched hunger for runs and a knack for scoring in tough situations. His unorthodox technique may look strange, but it’s highly effective, especially in Tests where he frustrates Indian bowlers by batting for hours.
Whether playing in Australia’s fast tracks or India’s turning wickets, Smith has the adaptability and mental strength to excel. His love for scoring against India makes him one of the most feared Test players today. Smith rightly earns his spot in the chart of Most International Centuries Against One Team.
Player | Opponent | Matches | Innings | Centuries |
---|---|---|---|---|
Steve Smith | India | 61 | 76 | 14 |
5. Virat Kohli vs Sri Lanka – 15 Centuries

Virat Kohli has turned matches around on his own, and Sri Lanka has felt the heat of his brilliance the most. Scoring 15 centuries against them, Kohli has been India’s anchor and finisher. From Tests to ODIs, his performances are filled with style, focus, and timing.
He chases targets like a machine, keeps the scoreboard ticking, and never lets the pressure get to him. Many of his centuries have come in winning causes, proving his value to the team. His superb track record has earned him a strong spot in the list of Most International Centuries Against One Team.
Player | Opponent | Matches | Innings | Centuries |
---|---|---|---|---|
Virat Kohli | Sri Lanka | 75 | 79 | 15 |
4. Virat Kohli vs Australia – 17 Centuries

Kohli’s fierce attitude matches perfectly with the Australian competitive spirit. Scoring 17 centuries against Australia, he has repeatedly shown why he is one of the modern-day greats. His ability to perform in tough Australian conditions is particularly special.
Kohli’s stroke play, aggressive intent, and passion for winning set him apart. He not only builds big innings but also delivers in crucial moments. His success against Australia makes him one of the most consistent and threatening batters on the international circuit. This excellence lands him high on the list of Most International Centuries Against One Team.
Player | Opponent | Matches | Innings | Centuries |
---|---|---|---|---|
Virat Kohli | Australia | 99 | 117 | 17 |
3. Sachin Tendulkar vs Sri Lanka – 17 Centuries

The master blaster Sachin Tendulkar enjoyed a long and successful career, and Sri Lanka was one team that he dominated consistently. With 17 international centuries against them, Tendulkar made bowlers like Muralitharan and Vaas struggle with his genius.
He mixed elegance with control, playing late cuts, straight drives, and delicate flicks. He knew when to accelerate and when to build an innings, a trait that gave India many memorable wins. His ability to score across formats secures his spot among those with the Most International Centuries Against One Team.
Player | Opponent | Matches | Innings | Centuries |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sachin Tendulkar | Sri Lanka | 109 | 116 | 17 |
2. Don Bradman vs England – 19 Centuries

The great Sir Donald Bradman set records that still remain untouched. Against England, his favorite rival, Bradman scored an astonishing 19 centuries in just 63 innings. His consistency and average of nearly 100 make him the most dominant batter in cricket history.
England tried everything to stop him, including the controversial “Bodyline” tactic, but Bradman still found ways to score. His performances laid the foundation for Australia’s dominance in the Ashes. His place among the top ranks for Most International Centuries Against One Team is unquestionable.
Player | Opponent | Matches | Innings | Centuries |
---|---|---|---|---|
Don Bradman | England | 37 | 63 | 19 |
1. Sachin Tendulkar vs Australia – 20 Centuries

Topping the list is Sachin Tendulkar, who scored a record-breaking 20 international centuries against Australia, the most by any player against a single team. From the deserts of Sharjah to the bouncy tracks of Perth, Tendulkar delivered everywhere.
His innings were full of character, elegance, and intelligence. He had some of his best battles with greats like Shane Warne, Brett Lee, and Glenn McGrath. Tendulkar’s ability to repeatedly perform against such a strong side highlights his greatness. No one better represents the spirit of the Most International Centuries Against One Team than the Little Master himself.
Player | Opponent | Matches | Innings | Centuries |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sachin Tendulkar | Australia | 110 | 144 | 20 |
READ MORE:
- Top 10 The Best Batsman vs Bowler Rivalries in Test Cricket History
- Top 10 Most Boundaries in a Test Half Century
FAQ
Q1. Who has scored the most centuries against a single team in international cricket?
Sachin Tendulkar has scored the most – 20 centuries against Australia.
Q2. How many centuries did Don Bradman score against England?
Bradman scored 19 centuries against England in 37 matches.
Q3. Which active cricketer has the most centuries against one team?
Virat Kohli leads among active players with 17 centuries against Australia.
Q4. How many centuries has Steve Smith scored against India?
Steve Smith has scored 14 international centuries against India.
Q5. Which Indian batsman has the most centuries against Sri Lanka?
Virat Kohli has scored 15 centuries against Sri Lanka, the most by any Indian batter.