Fastest Century in ODI Cricket: A Record-Breaking Journey Through Time
Cricket, often described as a gentleman’s game, has undergone massive transformation over the decades. One-Day Internationals (ODIs), in particular, have become a high-octane format where explosive batting and rapid scoring are celebrated. Among the many milestones in ODI cricket, scoring a century is a mark of brilliance. But doing so in the shortest time possible adds a layer of awe and admiration. In this article, we take a deep dive into the history, context, and significance of the fastest centuries in ODI cricket.
The Definition: What Does "Fastest Century" Mean?
The term "fastest century" refers to the fewest number of balls taken by a batsman to reach 100 runs in a One-Day International match. It is not based on time (minutes or hours) but on deliveries faced. This metric emphasizes aggression, timing, and the ability to exploit field restrictions and bowling weaknesses.
The Current Record Holder: AB de Villiers
As of now, the record for the fastest century in ODI cricket is held by AB de Villiers of South Africa. He achieved this feat in just 31 balls against the West Indies on January 18, 2015, at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
De Villiers, known for his 360-degree hitting ability and innovation, played a mind-blowing innings of 149 off just 44 balls. His record-breaking hundred included 16 sixes and 9 fours. This match redefined what was considered possible in ODI batting.
Key Stats from That Innings:
• Century in: 31 balls
• Final score: 149 runs off 44 balls
• Strike Rate: 338.63
• Sixes hit: 16
• Fours hit: 9
This innings was part of a high-scoring match where South Africa posted 439/2, and Hashim Amla and Rilee Rossouw also scored centuries. Yet, it was de Villiers who stole the spotlight with his thunderous knock.
Previous Record Holders
Before AB de Villiers, the record had been held by various legendary cricketers. Let’s explore a few of them:
Corey Anderson (New Zealand) – 36 balls
Before AB de Villiers broke the record, New Zealand’s Corey Anderson held the title for the fastest ODI century, reaching his hundred in just 36 balls against the West Indies on January 1, 2014. He smashed 131* in Queenstown, New Zealand, during a rain-shortened match. His innings included 14 sixes and highlighted the growing role of power-hitting in ODIs.
Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 37 balls
The original record was set by Shahid Afridi way back in 1996. At just 16 years old, Afridi stunned the cricketing world with a 37-ball century against Sri Lanka in Nairobi. This record stood unbroken for nearly 18 years. His innings included 11 sixes and showcased his raw power and fearless approach, which would become his trademark.
Afridi’s century was especially memorable because it came in only his second ODI match and that too using Sachin Tendulkar’s bat, as per popular cricket folklore.
Honorable Mentions: Other Fast Centuries in ODI History
Apart from the top record holders, several other players have etched their names into the list of fastest centuries:
• Mark Boucher (South Africa) – 44 balls vs Zimbabwe (2006)
• Brian Lara (West Indies) – 45 balls vs Bangladesh (1999)
• Jos Buttler (England) – 46 balls vs Pakistan (2015)
• Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 48 balls vs Pakistan (1996)
• Virat Kohli (India) – 52 balls vs Australia (2013)
• Glenn Maxwell (Australia) – 51 balls vs Sri Lanka (2022)
These innings highlight that the art of fast scoring is not just about brute strength but also impeccable timing, game awareness, and mental toughness.
The Role of Modern Cricket in Breaking Records
The evolution of ODI cricket has played a significant role in making fast centuries more common than ever before. Several factors have contributed to this:
1. T20 Influence
With the rise of T20 cricket, especially franchise leagues like the IPL, BBL, and CPL, players have developed aggressive batting styles. The high-scoring nature of T20 matches has influenced players to approach ODIs with similar intent.
2. Powerplays and Fielding Restrictions
The introduction of powerplays and fielding restrictions in ODIs has allowed batsmen to take advantage of gaps in the field. The first 10 overs often witness aggressive starts, setting a strong platform for quick centuries.
3. Improved Equipment
Modern cricket bats are designed to be more powerful, with thicker edges and a larger sweet spot. This enables even mistimed shots to clear the boundary ropes.
4. Fitness and Strength Training
Modern-day cricketers possess greater fitness, strength, and agility compared to players of previous generations. Strength training and conditioning allow batsmen to hit more sixes and run faster between the wickets, accelerating scoring rates.
Fastest Centuries by Indian Batsmen in ODIs
India, with its rich cricketing history, has also seen some blazing hundreds in ODIs. Among them:
• Virat Kohli – 52 balls vs Australia (2013) in Jaipur
• Virender Sehwag - hammered a rapid century off 60 deliveries against New Zealand in 2009.
• Yuvraj Singh – 65 balls vs England (2006)
• Suryakumar Yadav – Known for explosive knocks in T20s, he’s also making waves in ODIs
While India doesn’t currently hold the overall fastest century record, Indian batsmen have consistently delivered high-impact performances and are among the top ODI performers globally.
The Psychological Edge of Fast Centuries
Scoring a quick hundred not only helps the team’s total but also puts immense psychological pressure on the opposition. Bowlers lose confidence, captains struggle to set fields, and the momentum of the match can change dramatically.
Moreover, fast centuries often turn out to be match-defining innings, especially in run chases or when setting up a massive total.
Are We Likely to See a Faster Century Soon?
Given the current trends in cricket, a century in fewer than 31 balls is certainly possible. Young players like Tristan Stubbs, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Harry Brook have shown the potential to play at lightning speed. With smaller grounds, flatter pitches, and improved hitting techniques, it’s only a matter of time before someone breaks AB de Villiers' legendary record.
The Future of ODI Batting Records
While T20 cricket continues to influence ODI batting styles, there's still a unique charm in scoring a century in ODIs. Players must balance aggression with endurance, choosing the right moments to attack. We’re likely to see more records fall, but the context and pressure of ODIs make each century special.
The ICC is also constantly exploring changes in rules, formats, and pitch regulations to maintain the balance between bat and ball. But one thing is certain: fans love explosive batting, and fast centuries will always be celebrated.
Overall Insight
The fastest century in ODI cricket is more than just a statistic — it represents the pinnacle of aggressive batting and modern cricket evolution. From Shahid Afridi’s teenage heroics to AB de Villiers' record-smashing performance, these innings have thrilled fans and inspired a new generation of cricketers.
As the game evolves and batting techniques continue to improve, the prospect of witnessing a 30-ball or even sub-30-ball century seems within reach. Until then, AB de Villiers’ iconic 31-ball hundred remains a benchmark of brilliance in the ODI format.
