A batter scores a century by reaching 100 runs in an innings. The score is individual, even though cricket is a team game, and the batter continues after 100 unless they are dismissed or the innings ends.

A century can be made in any format, but the context differs. In a long innings, a batter may build a score over many hours. In a limited-overs match, they have a fixed number of deliveries and may need to score at a faster rate.

The milestone is celebrated because it combines concentration with consistency. It is one personal achievement within a team effort, and its value depends on the match situation as much as the number itself.