The 10 Fastest Centuries in ODI Cricket History 🚀🏏

Cricket is often referred to as a gentleman’s game, but when it comes to One Day Internationals (ODIs), the pace and intensity can leave spectators in awe. Among the various feats in cricket, scoring a century at a blistering speed is one of the most thrilling displays of batting skill. It requires not just power but also precision and audacity. The fastest centuries in ODI history are celebrated for the sheer dominance they exhibit over bowlers. In this article, we delve into the 10 fastest centuries in ODI cricket history, detailing the players who achieved these milestones, the context of the matches, and how these exceptional innings left a mark on the game.

1. AB de Villiers – 31 Balls (South Africa vs West Indies, 2015) 🏏⚡

The fastest century in ODI cricket history was scored by AB de Villiers against the West Indies on January 18, 2015, in Johannesburg. De Villiers reached the 100-run mark in just 31 balls, shattering records and setting a benchmark that may stand the test of time. The South African legend smashed the bowlers all over the park, hitting 16 sixes and 9 fours. His power-hitting and ability to find gaps were at their peak, leaving the West Indies bowlers helpless. This incredible innings helped South Africa post a mammoth total of 439/2.

Match Context:

South Africa was already in a commanding position, thanks to centuries from Hashim Amla and Rilee Rossouw. AB de Villiers came in and took the game to another level, scoring 149 runs off just 44 balls. His knock was instrumental in South Africa’s massive 148-run victory.

2. Corey Anderson – 36 Balls (New Zealand vs West Indies, 2014) 🌪️

Before AB de Villiers set his record, it was Corey Anderson who held the title for the fastest century in ODIs. Anderson’s 100 came off just 36 balls against the West Indies on January 1, 2014. The left-hander’s innings included 14 sixes and 6 fours, showcasing an astonishing display of power. He finished with 131 runs off 47 balls, leading New Zealand to a commanding win.

Match Context:

The match was affected by rain, reducing it to a 21-over contest. Anderson’s explosive knock helped New Zealand score 283/4, setting an insurmountable target for the West Indies. The Kiwis won by 159 runs, thanks to Anderson’s extraordinary performance.

3. Shahid Afridi – 37 Balls (Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 1996) 💥

Cricket fans can never forget Shahid Afridi’s famous 37-ball century, which held the record for the fastest century for over 17 years. Afridi, just 16 years old at the time, came out with a fearless approach against Sri Lanka in Nairobi, on October 4, 1996. He smashed 11 sixes and 6 fours, showcasing his natural hitting ability and setting the stage for a long and illustrious career.

Match Context:

Pakistan was in a dominant position when Afridi walked in. His quickfire century helped Pakistan post 371/9 in 50 overs, and they eventually secured a 82-run victory. Afridi’s innings gave birth to the term “Boom Boom Afridi,” as he became a household name in cricket.

4. Mark Boucher – 44 Balls (South Africa vs Zimbabwe, 2006) 🔥

Mark Boucher, primarily known for his wicket-keeping skills, surprised everyone when he scored a 44-ball century against Zimbabwe on September 20, 2006. Boucher’s powerful strokes included 10 sixes and 8 fours, propelling South Africa to a massive total of 418/5. He finished his innings unbeaten on 147 off 68 balls, showcasing his underrated batting prowess.

Match Context:

South Africa dominated the match from the outset. Boucher’s century was not only quick but also impactful, helping the Proteas secure a 171-run win. His performance remains one of the finest examples of lower-order hitting in ODI cricket.

5. Brian Lara – 45 Balls (West Indies vs Bangladesh, 1999) 🎯

The legendary Brian Lara holds a place in the list with his 45-ball century against Bangladesh on October 9, 1999. Known for his elegance and class, Lara adopted an aggressive approach and scored 117 off 62 balls, including 4 sixes and 18 fours. His knock helped the West Indies post a strong total of 314/5.

Match Context:

Lara’s innings was pivotal in setting a challenging target for Bangladesh. The West Indies eventually won the match by 109 runs, with Lara’s quick-fire century standing out as the defining moment of the game.

6. Shahid Afridi – 45 Balls (Pakistan vs India, 2005) 🔥

Shahid Afridi features on this list again, thanks to his 45-ball century against India on April 15, 2005, in Kanpur. Afridi’s blitzkrieg featured 10 sixes and 9 fours, propelling Pakistan to a successful chase of 250 runs. His aggressive approach left the Indian bowlers with no answers.

Match Context:

Chasing a target of 250, Pakistan needed a solid start. Afridi’s century at the top ensured that Pakistan reached the target in just 42.1 overs, securing a 5-wicket victory. His innings is fondly remembered by fans on both sides of the border.

7. Jesse Ryder – 46 Balls (New Zealand vs West Indies, 2014) 🚀

In the same match where Corey Anderson scored his record-breaking century, Jesse Ryder also played a scintillating knock. Ryder reached his century in just 46 balls, hitting 12 fours and 5 sixes along the way. His innings laid the foundation for New Zealand’s massive total of 283/4 in 21 overs.

Match Context:

Ryder’s century was overshadowed by Anderson’s fireworks, but it was an equally important contribution that set the tone for the innings. New Zealand’s commanding performance in this match was largely due to the aggressive starts provided by Ryder and Anderson.

8. Jos Buttler – 46 Balls (England vs Pakistan, 2015) 🔥

Jos Buttler, one of the finest finishers in modern-day cricket, scored a 46-ball century against Pakistan on November 20, 2015, in Dubai. His explosive innings featured 10 sixes and 8 fours, helping England post a formidable total of 355/5. Buttler’s clean striking and fearless approach made it one of the best ODI centuries of his career.

Match Context:

Buttler’s innings came at a time when England needed quick runs to set a competitive total. His efforts not only provided a solid platform but also ensured that Pakistan fell well short of the target, giving England a 84-run victory.

9. Sanath Jayasuriya – 48 Balls (Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, 1996) 🌊

Another legendary cricketer on this list is Sanath Jayasuriya, who scored a 48-ball century against Pakistan on April 2, 1996, in Singapore. Jayasuriya, known for his aggressive batting style, smashed 11 sixes and 11 fours, scoring 134 runs off 65 balls. His knock was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s comprehensive win.

Match Context:

Chasing a target of 216, Jayasuriya’s blistering start ensured Sri Lanka reached the target in just 37.2 overs, securing a 5-wicket victory. His innings is regarded as one of the finest in the history of ODI cricket, laying the foundation for Sri Lanka’s dominance in the mid-90s.

10. Kevin O’Brien – 50 Balls (Ireland vs England, 2011) 🏅

Kevin O’Brien’s 50-ball century against England during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup remains one of the most memorable performances in cricket history. His power-packed knock featured 13 fours and 6 sixes, helping Ireland chase down a mammoth target of 328 runs in a thrilling finish.

Match Context:

O’Brien’s knock was not just fast, but also came under immense pressure. Ireland was struggling at 111/5 when he walked in, but his heroic innings turned the game on its head, leading Ireland to one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.

Conclusion

The fastest centuries in ODI cricket history are a testament to the evolution of the game, where power-hitting and aggressive play have become essential skills. These innings not only entertained cricket fans worldwide but also redefined the art of batting in ODIs. From AB de Villiers’ 31-ball masterclass to Kevin O’Brien’s historic World Cup century, each of these performances holds a special place in cricket folklore.