Cricket has witnessed some breathtaking batting performances over the years, but nothing excites fans more than a batsman reaching a century in record time. The fastest ODI centuries are a testament to power-hitting, skill, and fearless cricket. Here’s a list of the top 10 fastest centuries in ODI history, featuring some of the most explosive innings ever played.
Exploring: Top 10 Fastest Centuries
1. AB de Villiers – 31 Balls (South Africa vs West Indies, 2015)
South Africa’s AB de Villiers holds the record for the fastest century in ODI history, reaching the milestone in just 31 balls on January 18, 2015, at Johannesburg. His knock of 149 runs off 44 balls included 9 fours and 16 sixes, propelling South Africa to a massive total of 439/2. The Proteas won the match by 148 runs, with de Villiers’ innings going down in history as one of the most destructive ever.
2. Corey Anderson – 36 Balls (New Zealand vs West Indies, 2014)
Before de Villiers shattered the record, Corey Anderson had set the benchmark with a 36-ball century on January 1, 2014, in Queenstown against the West Indies. His unbeaten 131 off 47 balls, featuring 6 fours and 14 sixes, led New Zealand to a comfortable victory. Anderson’s innings showcased his raw power and ability to dominate world-class bowling attacks.
3. Shahid Afridi – 37 Balls (Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 1996)
Pakistani legend Shahid Afridi, also known as “Boom Boom,” burst onto the international scene with an electrifying 37-ball century against Sri Lanka in Nairobi on October 4, 1996. His 102-run knock, laced with 6 fours and 11 sixes, set a record that stood for nearly 18 years before being broken by Anderson and de Villiers.
4. Glenn Maxwell – 40 Balls (Australia vs Netherlands, 2023)
Australia’s Glenn Maxwell is renowned for his unorthodox and aggressive batting. On October 25, 2023, during the ICC Cricket World Cup in Delhi, Maxwell reached his century in just 40 balls against the Netherlands. His innings of 106 runs, including 8 fours and 8 sixes, powered Australia to an emphatic victory.
5. Asif Khan – 41 Balls (UAE vs Nepal, 2023)
Emerging star Asif Khan from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) made headlines on March 16, 2023, when he scored a blistering century in 41 balls against Nepal in Kirtipur. His unbeaten 101 runs, comprising 4 fours and 11 sixes, proved that cricketing talent is thriving in associate nations.
6. Mark Boucher – 44 Balls (South Africa vs Zimbabwe, 2006)
South African wicketkeeper-batsman Mark Boucher played a stunning innings on September 20, 2006, in Potchefstroom against Zimbabwe. His century came off 44 balls, finishing with 147 runs*, including 8 fours and 10 sixes. His innings helped South Africa register a commanding victory.
7. Brian Lara – 45 Balls (West Indies vs Bangladesh, 1999)
West Indies legend Brian Lara showcased his class with a 45-ball century against Bangladesh on October 9, 1999, in Dhaka. His 117-run knock, including 18 fours and 4 sixes, proved why he was regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.
8. Shahid Afridi – 45 Balls (Pakistan vs India, 2005)
Shahid Afridi makes another appearance on this list with his second-fastest ODI century, which came in 45 balls against India on April 15, 2005, in Kanpur. His 102-run blitz, studded with 10 fours and 9 sixes, helped Pakistan chase down India’s total with ease.
9. Jesse Ryder – 46 Balls (New Zealand vs West Indies, 2014)
On the same day as Corey Anderson’s record-breaking innings, Jesse Ryder smashed a 46-ball century against the West Indies in Queenstown on January 1, 2014. His 104-run innings, with 12 fours and 5 sixes, set the stage for a massive New Zealand victory.
10. Jos Buttler – 46 Balls (England vs Pakistan, 2015)
England’s Jos Buttler stormed into the record books with a 46-ball century against Pakistan on November 20, 2015, in Dubai. His unbeaten 116-run innings, including 10 fours and 8 sixes, demonstrated his ability to change the course of a match single-handedly.
Conclusion – The Evolution of Power-Hitting in ODIs
The evolution of ODI cricket has seen a shift from classical batting to aggressive, fearless stroke play. The batsmen on this list have redefined the limits of power-hitting, proving that modern-day cricket demands speed, precision, and relentless aggression.
Who do you think will break AB de Villiers’ record of a 31-ball century? Let us know in the comments!