One Day International (ODI) cricket has witnessed some of the most explosive batting performances, with batsmen smashing centuries in record time. Over the years, aggressive players have changed the dynamics of ODI cricket, making high-scoring matches a common sight. Some players have set new standards by scoring centuries at a rapid pace, leaving fans in awe with their power-hitting abilities.
Scoring a century in limited-overs cricket requires a perfect combination of technique, power, and timing. The following list highlights the top ten fastest centuries in ODI history, based on the number of balls faced.
AB de Villiers (31 Balls) – South Africa vs West Indies, 2015
AB de Villiers holds the record for the fastest century in ODI cricket, scoring a century off just 31 balls against West Indies in Johannesburg on January 18, 2015. His innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, as he reached his century in no time.
Match Highlights:
- Runs Scored: 149 off 44 balls
- Fours: 9
- Sixes: 16
- Strike Rate: 338.63
This incredible knock helped South Africa post a mammoth total of 439/2, with de Villiers dominating the bowling attack. His breathtaking performance set a new benchmark for ODI cricket.
Corey Anderson (36 Balls) – New Zealand vs West Indies, 2014
New Zealand’s Corey Anderson previously held the record for the fastest century in ODIs before AB de Villiers surpassed him. Anderson reached his hundred in just 36 balls against West Indies on January 1, 2014, in Queenstown.
Match Highlights:
- Runs Scored: 131* off 47 balls
- Fours: 6
- Sixes: 14
- Strike Rate: 278.72
Anderson’s power-packed performance set the tone for New Zealand’s dominance in limited-overs cricket.
Shahid Afridi (37 Balls) – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 1996
Shahid Afridi’s 37-ball century was a record that stood for nearly 18 years before Anderson broke it in 2014. Afridi achieved this feat on October 4, 1996, against Sri Lanka in Nairobi.
Match Highlights:
- Runs Scored: 102 off 40 balls
- Fours: 6
- Sixes: 11
- Strike Rate: 255.00
Afridi’s aggressive batting made him a legend in Pakistan cricket, and this innings remains one of the most iconic in ODI history.
Mark Boucher (44 Balls) – South Africa vs Zimbabwe, 2006
Mark Boucher was primarily known as a wicketkeeper, but his batting skills were equally dangerous. He scored a 44-ball century against Zimbabwe on September 20, 2006, in Potchefstroom.
Match Highlights:
- Runs Scored: 147* off 68 balls
- Fours: 8
- Sixes: 10
- Strike Rate: 216.17
Boucher’s aggressive innings helped South Africa secure a massive victory.
Brian Lara (45 Balls) – West Indies vs Bangladesh, 1999
West Indies legend Brian Lara is known for his elegant stroke play, but he also had the ability to accelerate at a rapid pace. He scored a century in just 45 balls against Bangladesh on October 9, 1999.
Match Highlights:
- Runs Scored: 117 off 62 balls
- Fours: 18
- Sixes: 4
- Strike Rate: 188.70
Lara’s innings was a display of classic stroke-making combined with aggressive intent.
Jesse Ryder (46 Balls) – New Zealand vs West Indies, 2014
Jesse Ryder was known for his attacking batting, and he reached a century in just 46 balls against West Indies on January 1, 2014. This innings happened in the same match where Corey Anderson set the record for the fastest century.
Match Highlights:
- Runs Scored: 104 off 51 balls
- Fours: 12
- Sixes: 5
- Strike Rate: 203.92
Ryder’s destructive batting helped New Zealand put up a massive total.
Jos Buttler (46 Balls) – England vs Pakistan, 2015
Jos Buttler is one of England’s most aggressive limited-overs batsmen. He scored a century in just 46 balls against Pakistan on November 20, 2015, in Dubai.
Match Highlights:
- Runs Scored: 116* off 52 balls
- Fours: 10
- Sixes: 8
- Strike Rate: 223.07
Buttler’s innings showcased his ability to dominate bowling attacks effortlessly.
Sanath Jayasuriya (48 Balls) – Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, 1996
Sanath Jayasuriya was one of the pioneers of aggressive batting in ODIs. He scored a century in just 48 balls against Pakistan on April 2, 1996, in Singapore.
Match Highlights:
- Runs Scored: 134 off 65 balls
- Fours: 11
- Sixes: 11
- Strike Rate: 206.15
Jayasuriya’s innings changed the way ODI cricket was played, making power-hitting an essential part of the game.
Kevin O’Brien (50 Balls) – Ireland vs England, 2011
Kevin O’Brien played one of the most famous innings in World Cup history, scoring a century in just 50 balls against England on March 2, 2011, in Bangalore.
Match Highlights:
- Runs Scored: 113 off 63 balls
- Fours: 13
- Sixes: 6
- Strike Rate: 179.37
O’Brien’s knock helped Ireland pull off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
Glenn Maxwell (51 Balls) – Australia vs Sri Lanka, 2015
Glenn Maxwell is known for his unorthodox stroke play, and he reached a century in just 51 balls against Sri Lanka on March 8, 2015, during the Cricket World Cup.
Match Highlights:
- Runs Scored: 102 off 53 balls
- Fours: 10
- Sixes: 4
- Strike Rate: 192.45
Maxwell’s innings demonstrated why he is one of the most dangerous batsmen in world cricket.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who holds the record for the fastest century in ODI cricket?
AB de Villiers holds the record for the fastest century in ODIs, scoring 100 runs in just 31 balls against West Indies in 2015.
2. Who scored the fastest century in a World Cup match?
Kevin O’Brien holds the record for the fastest century in a World Cup match, reaching his hundred in 50 balls against England in 2011.
3. Who was the first player to score a century in less than 40 balls in ODIs?
Shahid Afridi was the first player to score an ODI century in less than 40 balls, reaching his hundred in 37 balls against Sri Lanka in 1996.
4. Which Indian player has the fastest century in ODIs?
Virat Kohli holds the record for the fastest century by an Indian in ODIs, scoring a hundred in 52 balls against Australia in 2013.
5. How many players have scored a century in fewer than 40 balls in ODIs?
Only three players—AB de Villiers, Corey Anderson, and Shahid Afridi—have scored centuries in fewer than 40 balls in ODIs.
ODI cricket has evolved into an exciting format where batsmen push boundaries and create new records. The fastest centuries in history have showcased incredible power-hitting, changing the dynamics of the game. As cricket continues to progress, future players may break these records, making the sport even more thrilling.