Fastest Centuries in ODI Cricket have always captured the imagination of cricket fans across the globe. The amazing high scores and the record-breaking achievements are the primary sources of excitement in the context of the ODI format. In order to set a pace for the matches, each innings is designed to maximize the score within the constraints of the allotted number of balls. setting the pace for the games.Scoring a century in the minimal number of balls is an exceptional feat, a culmination of not only the batsman’s timing and power, but an exceptional confidence and dominance over the field.
A number of players have delivered magnificent innings over the years, astonishing the spectators. In this article, we will talk about those batsmen, future players, and cricket fans who will forever remember those innings and the benchmarks they laid in the ODI history for the fastest centuries.
Here’s the List of the Top 10 Players with the Fastest Centuries in ODI Cricket
AB de Villiers – 31 Balls vs West Indies (2015)
AB De Villiers ruptured 16 sixes and 9 fours, scoring 149 runs from 44 balls. And surprising everyone, including opponents. De Villiers is known as “Mr. 360,” and this innings proved he didn’t earn that nickname for nothing. He smashed a century against the West Indies at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, off just 31 balls. This remains the fastest ODI century ever. He hit shots in every direction and left the bowlers helpless. This innings is considered one of the most explosive innings in cricket history.
Corey Anderson – 36 Balls vs West Indies (2014)
Corey Anderson played this brilliant innings for the West Indies in Queenstown on 1 January 2014. He reached his century in just 36 balls. That time the match was reduced to 21 overs a side due to rain, and Anderson took full advantage of the shorter format, smashing 14 sixes and 6 fours to score an unbeaten 131 off 47 balls. This was a record at the time. And his innings propelled New Zealand to a massive total. Anderson’s innings was a classic example of power hitting, marking a new era for aggressive batting in ODI cricket.
Shahid Afridi – 37 Balls vs Sri Lanka (1996)
Shahid Afridi revolutionized the ODI cricket world. At that time, he was 16 years old. And in 1996, he created history by scoring a century in 37 balls against Sri Lanka in Nairobi. Afridi’s innings included 11 sixes and 6 fours, setting a world record that stood for nearly 18 years. This innings made Afridi a superstar overnight and gave rise to his nickname “Boom Boom.”
Mark Boucher – 44 Balls vs Zimbabwe (2006)
South African wicketkeeper-batsman Mark Boucher, known for his calm demeanor, displayed explosive batting in this match. He smashed a century off just 44 ballsagainst Zimbabwe at Potchefstroom in 2006. He scored a brilliant 147* off 68 balls, smashing 10 sixes and 8 fours. Boucher’s innings proved that he is a Match-winner not only behind the stumps but also with the bat.
Brian Lara – 45 Balls vs Bangladesh (1999)
West Indies great Brian Lara was renowned for his class and timing. But against Bangladesh in 1999, he also displayed an aggressive side, reaching his century in just 45 balls, and scoring 117 runs off 62 balls, including 18 fours and 4 sixes. Lara’s innings was a perfect blend of technique and power.
Jos Buttler – 46 Balls vs Pakistan (2015)
England’s modern-day star, Jos Buttler, is known for his explosive batting. He Scored a century in 46 balls against Pakistan in Dubai, 2015. And he made 116* runs, 8 sixes, and 10 fours. This was the fastest century by an Englishman. Buttler’s innings gave England a new identity for playing aggressive cricket.
Sanath Jayasuriya – 48 Balls vs Pakistan (1996)
Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya can be called the father “attacking opening” in ODI Cricket. He proved that it was possible to score quickly in the power play by scoring a century off 48 balls against Pakistan in Singapore in 1996. Jayasuriya smashed 11 Sixes and 11 fours in his 65 balls make 134. His innings was revolutionary in an era when teams’ strategy relied on slow batting.
Jos Buttler – 50 Balls vs Netherlands (2022)
Buttler again performed brilliantly against the Netherlands in Amstelveen in 2022. He scored 162* off 70 balls, laced with 14 sixes and 7 fours, left fans speechless and played an explosive innings. And that was one of the best innings of his career for England.
Glenn Maxwell – 51 Balls vs Sri Lanka (2015)
Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is known as “The Big Show.” He proved his mettle by scoring a century in 51 balls against Sri Lanka in Sydney in the 2015 World Cup. And including 102 runs off 53 balls, 4 sixes, and 10 fours to help Australia posts a massive total. This innings ensured australia’s victory and made Maxwell a superstar in world cricket.
Virat Kohli – 52 Balls vs Australia
India’s star batsman Virat Kohli scored a century in 52 balls against Australia in Jaipur, including 100 runs, 7 sixes, and 8 fours. This century was a testament to his class, timing, and fitness. He, along with Shikhar Dhawan, overhauled the target of 360 in just 43 overs. Kohli’s innings is considered one of the best chases in Indian cricket.
Read Also : Top Ten Highest individual scores in cricket history
Importance of these records
Quick centuries not only showcase batting skills but also show how important strength, confidence, and the ability to take risks are in cricket. In today’s modern era, where the influence of T20 has increased in ODIs, fast centuries are becoming more common, but AB De Villiers’ record of 31 balls has not been broken yet.
Conclusion
These batsmen, who have scored the fastest centuries in ODI cricket, don’t just score runs; they win the hearts of the spectators. Whether it’s Afridi’s juvenile exuberance, De Villiers’ innovative innings, or Kohli’s classic strokeplay—all these innings will be remembered forever in cricket history.Scoring a quick century is an art—a combination of bat and courage. And that’s why ODI cricket remains one of the most exciting formats.
