Scoring centuries is the new normal. In this fast-paced and demanding time in cricket, batters now strive to achieve the tons in the least balls keeping their strike rate at a high. A nightmare for bowlers but a delight for the spectators! Cricket fans enjoy the centuries from the stadium and predict what will happen on the next ball. These prediction moments give them thrills while enjoying cricket matches. Let’s dive into this article as we take a look at the fastest ODI Centuries in the history of cricket.
List of Fastest ODI Centuries
Since its inception in 1971, ODI Cricket has witnessed some unforgettable performances from batters and bowlers alike. While Test cricket losing its fandom and T20 cricket attracting more and more eyes, One-day cricket bridges the gap between the two formats, appealing to both types of spectators.
One-day cricket gives batters enough time to settle in and enough balls to score runs. However, some categories of hard hitters don’t need the requisite. They come in with all guns blazing.
Here is a list of the fastest ODI centuries:
Rank | Player | Country | Balls | Score | Against | Venue | Year |
1 | AB de Villiers | South Africa | 31 | 149 | West Indies | Johannesburg | 2015 |
2 | Corey Anderson | New Zealand | 36 | 131* | West Indies | Queenstown | 2014 |
3 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 37 | 102 | Sri Lanka | Nairobi | 1996 |
4 | Mark Boucher | South Africa | 44 | 147* | Zimbabwe | Potchefstroom | 2006 |
5 | Brian Lara | West Indies | 45 | 117 | Bangladesh | Dhaka | 1999 |
6 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 45 | 102 | India | Kanpur | 2005 |
7 | Jesse Ryder | New Zealand | 46 | 104 | West Indies | Queenstown | 2014 |
8 | Jos Buttler | England | 46 | 116 | Pakistan | Dubai | 2015 |
9 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 48 | 134 | Pakistan | Singapore | 1996 |
10 | Kevin O’Brien | Ireland | 50 | 113 | England | Bangalore | 2011 |
AB de Villiers Tops the List of Fastest ODI Centuries
The record of the fastest ODI century is held by the beloved AB de Villiers. The South African batter reached the milestone in just 31 balls against West Indies at Johannesburg on January 18, 2015.
In his record-breaking innings, de Villiers smashed 149 runs off just 44 balls at a strike rate of 338.63, including 16 sixes and 9 fours. His explosive innings helped South Africa post a massive total of 439/2, setting a benchmark for aggressive batting in the format.
Famously known as Mr. 360 of cricket, AB de Villiers can certainly do it all. From batting, bowling, and even wicket-keeping to hitting the balls all over the park. His extraordinary ability to play shots all around the ground, in every possible direction steps him apart and lovd by all. His innovative batting style, which included scoops, reverse sweeps, and audacious flicks, made him one of the most versatile and dangerous batters in modern cricket. De Villiers was also known for his consistency and explosive performances across all formats, often changing the course of matches single-handedly.
New Zealand’s Corey Anderson with 36-ball 131* Comes in Second
New Zealand’s Corey Anderson holds the second-fastest century in ODI cricket history. He achieved this remarkable feat in just 36 balls, scoring an unbeaten 131 runs against West Indies at Queenstown on January 1, 2014. His explosive innings included 14 sixes and 6 fours, propelling New Zealand to a commanding total.
Anderson’s aggressive knock broke the previous fastest ODI century record held by Shahid Afridi (37 balls) and demonstrated his incredible hitting ability. This performance remains one of the most memorable in ODI cricket for its sheer power and entertainment value.
Shahid Afridi’s 37-ball Century Remains Embedded in Every Cricket Lover’s Memory
Shahid Afridi’s iconic 37-ball century remains one of the most unforgettable moments in cricket history. Achieved against Sri Lanka in Nairobi on October 4, 1996, it stood as the fastest ODI century for over 17 years. Afridi’s explosive knock of 102 runs featured 11 sixes and 6 fours, showcasing his fearless and aggressive batting style.
His blistering performance set a benchmark for power hitting in the game and earned him a reputation as one of the most destructive batters in cricket. Notably, this inning came out of the bat of a player who can bowl exceptionally well too. Even today, Afridi’s innings is celebrated as a legendary milestone in ODI cricket history.
Notably, Shahid Afridi’s explosive 45-ball 102 against India in Kanpur, 2005, ranks at the sixth position in the list of fastest ODI century. His aggressive stroke play, including powerful sixes and boundaries, stunned the Indian bowlers and showcasing his match-winning ability. This inning made the father of all rivalry India vs Pakistan even more exciting to watch.
Lastly, AB de Villiers’ record-breaking 31-ball century remains untouched in ODI history. His innings showcased a mix of brute power and precision, making it one of the greatest performances in limited-overs cricket.