In One Day International (ODI) cricket, reaching a century is a symbol of batting excellence. However, doing it at lightning speed requires a rare combination of skill, audacity, power, and perfect timing. Over the years, a handful of cricketers have not only crossed the 100 run mark but have done so at breathtaking speeds, rewriting the record books and leaving spectators in awe Fastest Centuries in ODI Cricket.
Fastest Centuries in ODI Cricket often come in pressure situations, where the batsman needs to seize every scoring opportunity while maintaining composure. In this article, we take a comprehensive look at the Fastest Centuries in ODI Cricket. We will analyze each knock in depth, explore the context, highlight key moments, and present detailed stats to fully appreciate the greatness of these innings.
List of 5 Most Fastest Centuries in ODI Cricket History
1. AB de Villiers
On January 18, 2015, at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa’s AB de Villiers produced one of the most astonishing innings the cricketing world had ever seen. Known for his 360-degree stroke play, de Villiers attacked the West Indies bowling attack from the first ball Fastest Centuries in ODI Cricket.
South Africa were already off to a flying start when de Villiers walked in. The foundation laid by Hashim Amla and Rilee Rossouw allowed de Villiers to play with total freedom. In an exhibition of fearless hitting, de Villiers reached his fifty in just 16 balls and then raced to his hundred in only 31 balls the Fastest Centuries in ODI Cricket to date.
His clean striking, innovative scoops, audacious reverse sweeps, and brute power left the West Indies bowlers clueless. De Villiers’ innings was not just about hitting boundaries; it was a blend of artistry, precision, and sheer dominance.
| Detail | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Match Date | 18 January 2015 |
| Opponent | West Indies |
| Venue | Johannesburg |
| Balls Faced | 31 |
| Fours | 9 |
| Sixes | 16 |
| Strike Rate | 322.58 |
| Total Runs | 149 |
2. Corey Anderson
Before AB de Villiers, it was New Zealand’s Corey Anderson who shocked the cricket fraternity. On January 1, 2014, at Queenstown, Anderson blasted his way into the record books with a stunning century in just 36 balls against the West Indies Fastest Centuries in ODI Cricket.
The innings took place on a small ground with flat batting conditions, but it was Anderson’s fearless approach that made it special. He dismantled both pace and spin with equal ease, hitting huge sixes and precise fours all around the park.
Anderson’s performance also came in a New Year’s Day game adding to the festive atmosphere as fans witnessed history being made. His clean, straight hitting made his innings a classic example of controlled aggression Fastest Centuries in ODI Cricket.
| Detail | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Match Date | 1 January 2014 |
| Opponent | West Indies |
| Venue | Queenstown |
| Balls Faced | 36 |
| Fours | 6 |
| Sixes | 14 |
| Strike Rate | 278.00 |
| Total Runs | 131* |
3. Shahid Afridi
In 1996, a young 16 year old Shahid Afridi burst onto the international scene in Nairobi, Kenya. Playing only his second ODI match, Afridi produced a century that would become legendary in cricket folklore reaching his hundred in just 37 balls against Sri Lanka Fastest Centuries in ODI Cricket.
At such a young age, Afridi showed remarkable confidence and composure. He demolished experienced bowlers like Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas with fearless six hitting and precise boundaries. His innings included 11 fours and 6 sixes, and many of those sixes were massive, showcasing his natural timing and power.
Afridi’s 37 ball century held the world record for the fastest ODI century for nearly 18 years and earned him the nickname “Boom Boom,” which stuck with him throughout his career Fastest Centuries in ODI Cricket.
| Detail | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Match Date | 4 October 1996 |
| Opponent | Sri Lanka |
| Venue | Nairobi |
| Balls Faced | 37 |
| Fours | 11 |
| Sixes | 6 |
| Strike Rate | 255.55 |
| Total Runs | 102 |
4. Glenn Maxwell
In the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, Glenn Maxwell once again demonstrated why he is considered one of the most dangerous white-ball batsmen in the world. On October 25, 2023, in Delhi, Maxwell reached his century in just 40 balls against the Netherlands Fastest Centuries in ODI Cricket.
Maxwell’s unorthodox and inventive batting style was on full display. He combined conventional power shots with creative ramps, reverse sweeps, and audacious flicks. His ability to score all around the wicket made it almost impossible for the Netherlands bowlers to contain him.
This innings was a display of calculated aggression where Maxwell read the bowlers perfectly, attacked at the right moments, and accelerated with incredible precision.
| Detail | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Match Date | 25 October 2023 |
| Opponent | Netherlands |
| Venue | Delhi |
| Balls Faced | 40 |
| Fours | 9 |
| Sixes | 8 |
| Strike Rate | 250.00 |
| Total Runs | 106 |
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5. Asif Khan
On March 16, 2023, Asif Khan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) made headlines by scoring a century in just 41 balls against Nepal at Kirtipur. This remarkable innings brought attention to the growing competitiveness of associate nations in world cricket Fastest Centuries in ODI Cricket.
Asif Khan’s innings was built on clean hitting, smart strike rotation, and calculated risks. His 11 sixes demonstrated his ability to clear the boundary with ease, while his 4 fours kept the scoreboard ticking.
For the UAE, a country still establishing its place in international cricket, Asif’s century was a landmark achievement that inspired young cricketers across associate nations.
| Detail | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Match Date | 16 March 2023 |
| Opponent | Nepal |
| Venue | Kirtipur |
| Balls Faced | 41 |
| Fours | 4 |
| Sixes | 11 |
| Strike Rate | 243.90 |
| Total Runs | 101* |
The evolution of ODI cricket has transformed how centuries are scored. Gone are the days when a century required careful accumulation. In today’s game, aggressive intent, innovative shot selection, and fearless batting are celebrated and often rewarded Fastest Centuries in ODI Cricket.
Each of these record-breaking centuries showcases a different aspect of modern cricket from Afridi’s teenage audacity to de Villiers’ mastery of innovation, Anderson’s power, Maxwell’s creativity, and Asif Khan’s inspiration to associate nations. These knocks not only entertain millions but also redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in limited-overs cricket Fastest Centuries in ODI Cricket.