🏏 Fastest 100 in ODI: Top Record-Breaking Centuries in One-Day Cricket
When we talk about power-hitting, adrenaline-pumping moments in cricket, the fastest 100 in ODI history always grabs the spotlight. Scoring a century in limited-overs cricket is impressive, but doing it in record time is legendary. In this blog, we dive deep into the list of cricketers who’ve changed the face of One Day Internationals with their lightning-fast centuries.
Let’s explore the top players who hold the record for the fastest 100 in ODI, understand their playing styles, and why their knocks are etched in cricketing history
🚀 1. AB de Villiers – 31 Balls (South Africa vs West Indies, 2015)
The undisputed king of innovation, AB de Villiers, holds the record for the fastest 100 in ODI history. He smashed a century in just 31 balls at Johannesburg in 2015 against the West Indies. His 149-run knock included 16 sixes and 9 fours — a mind-blowing display of skill, confidence, and creativity.
Why it’s special:
De Villiers came in when South Africa was already cruising and turned a strong total into a mountainous one. His ability to hit 360° around the ground makes this inning legendary.
⚡ 2. Corey Anderson – 36 Balls (New Zealand vs West Indies, 2014)
Before de Villiers shattered the record, it was Corey Anderson who held the title with a 100 off just 36 balls in 2014. This innings was played in Queenstown, New Zealand, and included 14 sixes, a then-record for most sixes in an ODI innings.
Why it’s special:
Anderson wasn’t a regular feature in the headlines, but this knock announced him to the world. It was raw power at its best.
🔥 3. Shahid Afridi – 37 Balls (Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 1996)
The original “Boom Boom” Afridi stunned the cricket world when he scored a century in 37 balls at the age of just 16 (later clarified to be 19). This innings in Nairobi stood as the fastest 100 in ODI for nearly 18 years.
Why it’s special:
Afridi’s fearless batting laid the foundation for aggressive ODI cricket. His six-hitting ability became his signature.
🌍 4. Brian Lara, Jos Buttler, and Mark Boucher – Other Notables
Jos Buttler (England) – Scored a 100 in 46 balls vs Pakistan (2015).
Brian Lara (West Indies) – Known for a 100 in 45 balls, though unofficial.
Mark Boucher (South Africa) – His 100 in 44 balls came against Zimbabwe.
All these innings demonstrate the thrill and evolving nature of modern-day ODI cricket.
📈 Impact of Fastest ODI Centuries on Modern Cricket
The rise of T20 leagues like IPL, BBL, and The Hundred has changed the approach to ODIs. Players now play with more aggression, and boundaries have become more frequent. The quest for the fastest 100 in ODI continues to push batsmen to innovate and take risks.
Cricketers now train for power-hitting, use better bats, and study bowlers’ patterns through data analytics. It’s a new era where chasing a 300+ target is common, and fast centuries can flip matches in minutes.
🧠 Fun Facts About Fastest 100 in ODI
The average strike rate of these top knocks is above 250.
Most fastest centuries come on batting-friendly pitches like Johannesburg and Queenstown.
Powerplay overs and fielding restrictions have helped in boosting scoring rates.
🎯 Final Thoughts
The fastest 100 in ODI is more than just a record — it’s a symbol of how dynamic and exciting cricket has become. From Afridi’s raw talent to de Villiers’ innovation, each of these innings has brought fans to their feet and redefined what’s possible in a 50-over game.
As the game evolves, who knows? We might soon see someone score a century in under 30 balls!
🔎 FAQs on Fastest 100 in ODI
Q1: Who scored the fastest 100 in ODI cricket?
A: AB de Villiers holds the record with a 100 in just 31 balls.
Q2: Which Indian has the fastest ODI century?
A: Virat Kohli scored a 100 in 52 balls vs Australia in 2013 — India’s fastest.
Q3: How does pitch condition affect fast centuries?
A: Flat pitches with small boundaries and less swing help batsmen score faster.
Pingback: Top Education Themes in 2025 State of the State Addresses: A Comprehensive Analysis