Top 7 Fastest Century in ODIs in Cricket ft. AB de Villiers
In the dynamic One Day Internationals (ODIs) format of cricket, the fastest century is a remarkable milestone that showcases an unparalleled aggression and skill of a player that not only showcases their ability to dominate the opposition’s bowling attack but also alters the outcome of a match. This remarkable feat stands as a testament to a cricketer’s precision, analytical ability, and power.
Over the years, several players have etched their names in cricket history by reaching the coveted 100-run mark taking the fewest number of deliveries, that leaves fans in awe and the opposition in chaos.
In this article, we’ll delve into the list of players who have redefined the pace of modern-day cricket and have scored the Fastest Century in ODIs.
List of Fastest Century in ODIs
1. AB de Villiers
The attacking South African wicket-keeper batsman AB de Villiers stands with the record of smashing the fastest century in ODIs, one day internationals. De Villiers’ explosive knock came against West Indies in Johannesburg back in 2015, where he smashed 147 runs in mere 31 deliveries where his innings was powered by 9 boundaries and 14 huge sixes.
2. Corey Anderson
The Caribbean side became the former New Zealand batter, Corey Anderson’s target in 2014 where he smashed the then fastest century in ODI before his record was broken by AB de Villiers. Anderson scored 131* runs off 36 deliveries, hitting 14 sixes and six boundaries to help the Kiwis post a total of 283 runs on the board.
3. Shahid Afridi
The former Pakistan all-rounder, Shahid Afridi is next in the list to smash the fastest century in ODIs. The veteran cricketer attacked the Sri Lankan bowling unit to play his fastest ton in ODIs, scoring 102 runs off 37 deliveries, hitting 11 sixes and six boundaries in Nairobi.
4. Glenn Maxwell
The attacking all-rounder, Glenn Maxwell has scored the fastest century in ODIs for Australia. Maxwell’s fiery knock came against Netherlands in Delhi during the ODI World Cup 2023, where he smashed 106 runs off 40 deliveries, hitting 8 sixes and 9 boundaries. The batter’s knock helped Australia to post a total of 399 runs at the end of 50 overs.
5. Asif Khan
The United Arab Emirates cricketer, Asif Khan is next in the list of scoring fastest centuries in ODIs. Khan achieved the unique milestone for his home side during the team’s match against Nepal in 41 deliveries as he scored 101* runs, where his innings was powered by 11 sixes and four boundaries. Asif’s knock helped UAE to post a total of 310 runs at the end of 50 overs.
6. Mark Boucher
Mark Boucher has not only gained respect as the world’s greatest wicket-keeper, but has also helped his team to win several matches with the bat. Boucher led South Africa to win the match against Zimbabwe back in 2006 with his explosive knock where he scored 147* runs off 44 deliveries, hitting 18 sixes and 8 boundaries. Mark Boucher’s innings helped South Africa to post a total of 418, ultimately winning the match by 171 runs.
7. Brian Lara
The legendary Caribbean batter, Brian Lara has scored the fastest century in ODIs for his home side. Brian Lara’s destructive knock came against Bangladesh in 1999 where he scored 117 runs off 45 deliveries, hitting 4 sixes and 18 boundaries. Lara’s innings in Dhaka helped West Indies to post a total of 314 at the end of 50 overs.
Conclusion
The rare milestone of the fastest centuries in ODIs showcases the extraordinary skillset and explosive power of some of cricket’s finest players from across the globe. These explosive innings not only entertain the spectators but also demonstrate the dynamic nature of the White Ball cricket format, where promptly putting runs on the board is vital. As new records continue to be built, these milestones stand as a testament to the attacking and evolving spirit of the game.