Top 10 Fastest Hundreds in ODI History

ODI cricket has always been about balancing strategy with aggression, but some innings take the game to an entirely different level. The Fastest Hundreds in ODI History are the ones that leave fans and bowlers in awe, showing the sheer power, timing, and skill of players who can dominate in just a few overs. These innings are not just about hitting boundaries; they are about changing matches in minutes, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats, and setting benchmarks for future cricketers. From the explosive strokes of AB de Villiers to the fearless hitting of Shahid Afridi, these players have redefined what is possible in ODI cricket. Each innings on this list demonstrates how hitting a century quickly requires a mix of courage, technique, innovation, and mental toughness. The following entries, ranked from 10 to 1, highlight some of the most electrifying performances in ODI history, showing how each player etched their name into the record books of the Fastest Hundreds in ODI History.

List of 10 Fastest Hundreds in ODI History

10. Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler’s innings against Pakistan in Dubai remains one of the most thrilling examples of the Fastest Hundreds in ODI History. Buttler scored an unbeaten 116 off just 46 balls, smashing 8 sixes and 10 fours. What made this innings remarkable was not just the sheer volume of runs but the way he maintained aggression without losing control. Buttler’s footwork was exceptional, allowing him to counter the spin and pace attacks with equal ease. Each six he hit shifted momentum instantly, energizing England and demoralizing Pakistan. The innings showcased his ability to read the bowler, adapt to different lengths, and execute innovative shots under pressure. This was an innings where timing met power perfectly, making it one of the fastest centuries recorded in ODI history. Buttler’s innings proved that fearless batting combined with cricketing intelligence is a recipe for record-breaking performances in ODI cricket.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	4s
JC Buttler	116*	46	8	10

9. JD Ryder

JD Ryder’s innings against the West Indies is another shining example of the Fastest Hundreds in ODI History. Ryder scored 104 runs off 46 balls while hitting 5 sixes and 12 fours. His innings was a masterclass in aggressive yet calculated strokeplay. Ryder was constantly on the move, using his feet to get to the pitch of the ball and then unleashing powerful drives and pulls. The way he rotated the strike while still accelerating the run rate showed his awareness of match situations. Every shot Ryder played had intent, and the crowd could sense that he was aiming for a rapid century. This innings emphasized that reaching one of the Fastest Hundreds in ODI History is not just about power-hitting; it’s about combining timing, placement, and mental strength. Ryder’s performance was a statement of intent and demonstrated how New Zealand players could produce explosive innings under pressure.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	4s
JD Ryder	104	46	5	12

8. Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi, known worldwide as “Boom Boom,” played an unforgettable innings against India in Kanpur that remains one of the Fastest Hundreds in ODI History. Afridi scored 102 off just 45 balls, hitting 9 sixes and 10 fours. His ability to launch the ball over the boundary consistently made him a nightmare for bowlers. Afridi combined brute power with excellent hand-eye coordination, allowing him to adjust quickly to different deliveries. He often relied on premeditated aggressive shots and could switch gears within a single over. This innings was not just about runs but about asserting dominance over the opposition, setting a psychological tone for Pakistan in the game. Afridi’s century illustrated why speed, confidence, and fearless hitting are crucial for players aiming to feature in the list of the Fastest Hundreds in ODI History. Every six hits lifted the energy of his team and kept fans fully engaged in the match.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	4s
Shahid Afridi	102	45	9	10

7. Brian Lara

Brian Lara’s innings against Bangladesh in Dhaka, scoring 117 runs off 45 balls with 4 sixes and 18 fours, remains a standout entry among the Fastest Hundreds in ODI History. While Lara was not hitting as many sixes as other explosive players, his precision and timing allowed him to score quickly through the gaps. His wide range of strokes, including delicate drives and powerful lofted shots, kept the scoreboard moving at a fast pace. Lara’s innings was also about maintaining consistency; he did not rely on sheer brute force but combined power with impeccable placement and anticipation. Each boundary he scored put pressure on the fielding team and shifted momentum decisively in the West Indies’ favor. Lara’s ability to construct such a rapid innings while balancing control and aggression makes this one of the finest examples of the Fastest Hundreds in ODI History.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	4s
BC Lara	117	45	4	18

6. Morné van Wyk Boucher

Morné van Wyk Boucher’s unbeaten 147* against Zimbabwe in Potchefstroom is widely celebrated in the list of the Fastest Hundreds in ODI History. Boucher smashed 10 sixes and 8 fours in only 44 balls, demonstrating extraordinary hand-eye coordination and fearless aggression. His innings was a masterclass in timing and placement, with each boundary carefully chosen to maximize scoring opportunities while maintaining strike rotation. Boucher’s dominance over the bowling attack was evident, and he frequently punished any loose deliveries immediately. This innings became a benchmark for future South African batsmen aspiring to combine raw power with smart cricketing decisions. The combination of hitting out of the park and running aggressively between the wickets defined why Boucher’s century is remembered as one of the fastest and most thrilling in ODI cricket history.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	4s
MV Boucher	147*	44	10	8

5. Asif Khan

Asif Khan of the UAE demonstrated that players from emerging cricket nations can also make their mark with the Fastest Hundreds in ODI History. His innings against Nepal in Kirtipur saw him score an unbeaten 101* from just 41 balls, hitting a stunning 11 sixes and 4 fours. Khan’s ability to hit consistently over the boundary was remarkable, showing his confidence and fearless approach. His innings was a combination of smart shot selection and brute force, ensuring he could maintain a high scoring rate throughout. This performance highlighted the evolving nature of ODI cricket, where talent can emerge from anywhere and still compete on the world stage. Asif Khan’s century reinforced the idea that speed, power, and timing are the essential ingredients for any player aiming to feature among the Fastest Hundreds in ODI History.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	4s
Asif Khan	101*	41	11	4

4. Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell’s innings against the Netherlands in Delhi is a classic example of the Fastest Hundreds in ODI History. Maxwell scored 106 runs off just 40 balls, hitting 8 sixes and 9 fours. Known for his aggressive style and ability to innovate, Maxwell combined classic cricket shots with unorthodox strokeplay to put the opposition under constant pressure. Each boundary he hit shifted momentum in Australia’s favor and made it difficult for bowlers to recover. Maxwell’s quick thinking, combined with exceptional hand-eye coordination, allowed him to dominate in the middle overs. This innings was a perfect showcase of how hitting a rapid century is about more than power; it is also about creativity, timing, and awareness, which makes Maxwell one of the most feared and admired batsmen in modern ODI cricket.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	4s
Glenn Maxwell	106	40	8	9

3. Shahid Afridi

In another breathtaking performance, Shahid Afridi scored 102 runs off just 37 balls against Sri Lanka in Nairobi. This innings is one of the most iconic in the Fastest Hundreds in ODI History. Afridi hit 11 sixes and 6 fours, showing his ability to score at a blistering pace. Every shot was a calculated risk, displaying Afridi’s fearless approach and immense confidence. The innings not only entertained the crowd but also put Sri Lanka under immense pressure, highlighting Afridi’s match-winning potential. His rapid scoring ability, combined with innovative strokeplay and consistency, made him a legend in the record books of ODI cricket. Afridi’s 37-ball century remains a standard for aspiring batsmen aiming for speed, precision, and impact in international cricket.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	4s
Shahid Afridi	102	37	11	6

2. CJ Anderson

CJ Anderson’s innings against the West Indies in Queenstown is a remarkable display of why he belongs among the Fastest Hundreds in ODI History. Scoring an unbeaten 131* from just 36 balls, Anderson hit 14 sixes and 6 fours. His innings were fearless from the start, punishing every loose ball and keeping the scoreboard ticking at a phenomenal rate. Anderson’s ability to maintain concentration while scoring rapidly is what makes him stand out. His powerful hitting, combined with smart running between the wickets, allowed New Zealand to dominate the match completely. This innings remains one of the fastest and most entertaining centuries in ODI history, demonstrating how aggression, timing, and technique can produce record-breaking results.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	4s
CJ Anderson	131*	36	14	6

1. AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers’ 149-run innings from just 31 balls against West Indies in Johannesburg is rightly the pinnacle of the Fastest Hundreds in ODI History. Known as “Mr. 360” for his ability to play shots all around the ground, de Villiers hit 16 sixes and 9 fours during this extraordinary performance. Every stroke displayed immense hand-eye coordination, timing, and audacity. De Villiers’ ability to innovate mid-pitch, improvise over the bowler, and consistently clear boundaries redefined what a rapid century could look like. This innings set a benchmark in ODI cricket, not only for the number of sixes but also for sheer speed and impact. AB de Villiers’ record remains a reference point for anyone aspiring to achieve one of the Fastest Hundreds in ODI History.

Player	Runs	Balls	6s	4s
AB de Villiers	149	31	16	9

The Fastest Hundreds in ODI History reflect the evolution of cricket into a dynamic, high-scoring game where speed, aggression, and mental toughness define great innings. From Jos Buttler’s calculated aggression to AB de Villiers’ record-breaking 31-ball century, each performance showcases different aspects of explosive batting. Players like Shahid Afridi, Glenn Maxwell, and CJ Anderson have demonstrated that rapid centuries require a combination of skill, timing, courage, and innovative shot-making. These innings have inspired future generations of cricketers, proving that ODI cricket is a platform where boldness and skill can turn matches in moments. The Fastest Hundreds in ODI History remain timeless, thrilling fans, and setting the gold standard for batting excellence in the modern era.