Scoring a century in One Day Internationals (ODIs) is a notable feat, but doing so in the shortest time adds an extra layer of brilliance. Throughout the years, many players have amazed fans worldwide with their explosive batting, reaching the Fastest Centuries In ODI Cricket.
Let’s take a look at the Top 10 Fastest Centuries in ODI cricket:
10. Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler, known as one of England’s most dynamic hitters, unleashed his power against Pakistan in Dubai in 2015, racing to a century in only 46 balls. His blistering innings featured a flurry of boundaries and massive sixes, securing his place among the Fastest Centuries In ODI Cricket history. This remarkable performance stands as a shining example of Buttler’s exceptional ability to finish games with flair.
| Player | Team | Balls Faced |
|---|---|---|
| Jos Buttler | England | 46 |
9. Jesse Ryder
New Zealand’s powerful batsman Jesse Ryder dominated the West Indies bowling in Queenstown in 2014. He reached his century in only 46 balls, marking one of the Fastest Centuries In ODI Cricket history. His fearless stroke play laid the foundation for a commanding and aggressive team total.
| Player | Team | Balls Faced |
|---|---|---|
| Jesse Ryder | New Zealand | 46 |
8. Shahid Afridi
The iconic Shahid Afridi, famed for his powerful hitting, lived up to his reputation by blasting a century off just 45 balls against India in Kanpur in 2005. His sheer dominance over the bowlers with aggressive stroke play made this innings memorable and earned him a spot among the Fastest Centuries In ODI Cricket.
| Player | Team | Balls Faced |
|---|---|---|
| Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 45 |
7. Brian Lara
West Indies great Brian Lara demonstrated his brilliance by scoring a century in just 45 balls against Bangladesh in Dhaka in 1999. His innings combined graceful shots with powerful striking, highlighting his mastery in ODI cricket and securing his place among the Fastest Centuries In ODI Cricket.
| Player | Team | Balls Faced |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Lara | West Indies | 45 |
6. Mark Boucher
South African wicketkeeper-batsman Mark Boucher amazed everyone with a rapid innings against Zimbabwe in Potchefstroom in 2006, reaching his century in only 44 balls. Renowned for his skill as a finisher, Boucher’s knock still ranks among the Fastest Centuries In ODI Cricket.
| Player | Team | Balls Faced |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Boucher | South Africa | 44 |
5. Asif Khan
An unexpected name on the list, UAE’s Asif Khan blasted a record-breaking century in just 41 balls against Nepal in Kirtipur in 2023. His fierce and attacking batting left the opponents shell-shocked, securing his spot in ODI history as one of the Fastest Centuries In ODI Cricket history.
| Player | Team | Balls Faced |
|---|---|---|
| Asif Khan | UAE | 41 |
4. Glenn Maxwell
Known for his unconventional stroke play, Glenn Maxwell unleashed a sensational innings against the Netherlands in Delhi in 2023, reaching his century in only 40 balls. His fearless approach and effortless boundary-hitting made this knock one of the Fastest Centuries In ODI Cricket history.
| Player | Team | Balls Faced |
|---|---|---|
| Glenn Maxwell | Australia | 40 |
3. Shahid Afridi
Returning to the list, Shahid Afridi once held the record for the Fastest Centuries In ODI Cricket, reaching 100 runs in just 37 balls against Sri Lanka in Nairobi in 1996. This explosive innings catapulted him to international fame and continues to be one of the most memorable performances in cricket history.
| Player | Team | Balls Faced |
|---|---|---|
| Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 37 |
2. Corey Anderson
In 2014, New Zealand’s Corey Anderson electrified Queenstown by blasting a century off just 36 balls against the West Indies. Although this record was surpassed after more than a year, it still ranks among the Fastest Centuries In ODI Cricket history.
| Player | Team | Balls Faced |
|---|---|---|
| Corey Anderson | New Zealand | 36 |
1. AB de Villiers
The record for the Fastest Centuries In ODI Cricket is held by the legendary AB de Villiers, who tore through the West Indies bowling lineup in Johannesburg in 2015, reaching 100 runs in a mere 31 balls. His stunning shot selection and remarkable creativity have made this innings one of the most extraordinary in the history of the game.
| Player | Team | Balls Faced |
|---|---|---|
| AB de Villiers | South Africa | 31 |
Conclusion
The fastest centuries in ODI cricket showcase the incredible talent, power, and innovation of some of the game’s most explosive batsmen. These record-breaking innings not only thrill fans but also redefine the limits of aggressive batting in the one-day format. Each lightning-fast century reflects a unique blend of skill, fearlessness, and timing, cementing these players’ places in cricketing history and inspiring future generations to push the boundaries even further.
Read More: Top 5 Batsmen With Highest Career Batting Average in ODI
FAQ`s
Q1: What is considered the fastest century in ODI cricket?
A: The fastest century in ODI cricket is scored by AB de Villiers, who reached 100 runs in just 31 balls against the West Indies in 2015.
Q2: Who holds the record for the fastest century in ODI cricket?
A: AB de Villiers holds the record for the fastest ODI century.
Q3: Which player scored the fastest century for England in ODIs?
A: Jos Buttler scored one of the fastest centuries for England, reaching 100 runs in 46 balls against Pakistan in 2015.
Q4: Has any player scored multiple fastest centuries in ODI cricket?
A: Shahid Afridi is notable for having multiple very fast centuries, including a 37-ball century and a 45-ball century.