Batsmen with the Slowest ODI Century have achieved a rare feat in a format typically dominated by fast scoring and aggressive play. While One Day Internationals are usually about quick runs, there have been exceptional instances where players adopted a more measured and cautious approach to reach their hundred—proving that grit, resilience, and patience can be just as important as power-hitting in crucial match scenarios.
Let`s take a look at the Top 10 Batsmen With Slowest ODI Century:
10. David Boon
David Boon features on the list of Batsmen With Slowest ODI Century, having reached his hundred in 146 balls. This painstaking innings highlighted his ability to anchor the innings and build steadily under pressure, showcasing his trademark resilience and ensuring his team maintained a solid foundation throughout.
9. Shai Hope
Among the Batsmen With Slowest ODI Century, West Indies opener Shai Hope stands out with his gritty 149-ball hundred—a rare feat in the modern era of power-hitting. Renowned for his classical technique and composed approach, Hope often plays the role of a sheet anchor, offering much-needed stability to his side in high-pressure situations.
8. David Hemp
David Hemp earns his place among the Batsmen With Slowest ODI Century after crafting a determined 150-ball hundred for Bermuda against Kenya. His composed innings was not just a personal milestone—it also brought global attention to Bermuda’s presence in international cricket. Hemp’s perseverance served as an inspiration for emerging cricketing nations striving to make their mark.
7. Geoff Marsh
Geoff Marsh secures his spot among the Batsmen With Slowest ODI Century with a patient 150-ball hundred. Known for his ability to bat deep and absorb pressure, Marsh was a pillar of consistency for Australia throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, often anchoring the innings when it mattered most.
6. Tom Cooper
Tom Cooper joins the ranks of Batsmen With Slowest ODI Century with a gritty 151-ball hundred for the Netherlands. His innings showcased remarkable concentration and technical skill as he stood firm against a quality bowling attack. Cooper’s performance not only highlighted his individual resilience but also reflected the rising competitiveness of associate nations on the international stage.
5. Scott Styris
Scott Styris, the dependable New Zealand all-rounder, finds his place among the Batsmen With Slowest ODI Century after taking 152 balls to reach his hundred. His patient knock highlighted his game awareness and adaptability, as he carefully adjusted his tempo to suit the match situation, playing a crucial role in guiding his team through difficult conditions.
4. Rameez Raja
Rameez Raja features among the Batsmen With Slowest ODI Century, this time with a painstaking 152-ball effort. Known for his composed style, Raja’s ability to weather tough conditions and build a steady innings proved vital for Pakistan, particularly when the team was under pressure after early setbacks.
3. Geoff Marsh
Geoff Marsh features again on this list among the Batsmen With Slowest ODI Century is Geoff Marsh, who scored a patient hundred off 156 balls. His innings exemplified remarkable focus and resilience—traits that defined his batting approach. Performances like these often formed the foundation of Australia’s ODI triumphs during his playing days.
2. Rameez Raja
Rameez Raja features once more among the Batsmen With Slowest ODI Century for his resolute 157-ball hundred. In a crucial match where Pakistan desperately needed a steady start, Raja displayed immense grit and determination. His measured approach at the top of the order provided the much-needed stability to keep his team in contention.
1. David Boon
David Boon appears once again among the Batsmen With Slowest ODI Century, Having reached his hundred in 146 balls. This innings reinforced his reputation as a batsman who could steadily grind out runs under pressure, providing a solid and well-structured foundation for his team’s innings.
Slowest ODI Centuries
| Rank | Player | Balls Faced | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | David Boon | 166 | India | 1991 |
| 2 | Rameez Raja | 157 | – | – |
| 3 | Geoff Marsh | 156 | – | – |
| 4 | Rameez Raja | 152 | – | – |
| 5 | Scott Styris | 152 | – | – |
| 6 | Tom Cooper | 151 | – | – |
| 7 | Geoff Marsh | 150 | – | – |
| 8 | David Hemp | 150 | Kenya | – |
| 9 | Shai Hope | 149 | – | – |
| 10 | David Boon | 146 | – | – |
Conclusion
These innings remind us that cricket isn’t solely about powerful shots and rapid scoring. Often, patience and persistence play an equally vital role in achieving success, particularly when it comes to the rare feat of the slowest ODI century.
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FAQ`s
Q1: What does it mean to score a slow century in ODI cricket?
A: A slow century in ODI cricket refers to a batsman taking a significantly higher number of balls than usual to reach 100 runs, often emphasizing patience and strategic play over aggressive hitting.
Q2: Why do some batsmen score slow centuries in ODIs?
A: Batsmen may play slow centuries to stabilize the innings during difficult conditions, when wickets have fallen early, or when the team needs to build a steady foundation against a strong bowling attack.
Q3: Who holds the record for the slowest century in ODI cricket?
A: Several players have recorded slow centuries, but David Hemp’s 150-ball century for Bermuda and Tom Cooper’s 151-ball century for the Netherlands are among the slowest recorded in ODI history.