One Day International (ODI) cricket has witnessed some explosive batting performances, with players reaching the coveted century mark in remarkably few deliveries. Here are the top five fastest centuries in ODI history:
1. AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 31 Balls
- Opponent: West Indies
- Date: January 18, 2015
- Venue: Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
Innings Details: De Villiers scored 149 runs off 44 balls, including 9 fours and 16 sixes, at a strike rate of 338.63. His partnership of 192 runs with Hashim Amla propelled South Africa to a total of 439/2, leading to a 148-run victory.
2. Corey Anderson (New Zealand) – 36 Balls
- Opponent: West Indies
- Date: January 1, 2014
- Venue: Queenstown Events Centre, Queenstown
Innings Details: Anderson remained unbeaten with 131 runs off 47 balls, hitting 6 fours and 14 sixes at a strike rate of 278.72. His 191-run partnership with Jesse Ryder helped New Zealand post 283 in a rain-affected match, securing a 159-run win.
3. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 37 Balls
- Opponent: Sri Lanka
- Date: October 4, 1996
- Venue: Nairobi Gymkhana Club, Nairobi
Innings Details: In his maiden international innings, Afridi scored 102 runs off 40 balls, including 6 fours and 11 sixes, at a strike rate of 255. His 126-run partnership with Saeed Anwar contributed to Pakistan’s total of 371, leading to an 82-run victory.
4. Mark Boucher (South Africa) – 44 Balls
- Opponent: Zimbabwe
- Date: September 20, 2006
- Venue: Potchefstroom, South Africa
Innings Details: Boucher scored an unbeaten 147 runs off 68 balls, featuring 8 fours and 10 sixes, at a strike rate of 216.17. South Africa amassed a total of 418, achieving a 171-run victory over Zimbabwe.
5. Brian Lara (West Indies) – 45 Balls
- Opponent: Bangladesh
- Date: October 9, 1999
- Venue: Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka
Innings Details: Opening the innings, Lara scored 117 runs off 62 balls, including 18 fours and 4 sixes, at a strike rate of 188.70. His performance led the West Indies to a total of 314, resulting in a 109-run victory.
- These remarkable innings highlight the explosive potential of batsmen in ODI cricket, showcasing their ability to dominate bowling attacks and entertain cricket fans worldwide.
6. Jesse Ryder (New Zealand) – 46 Balls
- Opponent: West Indies
- Date: January 1, 2014
- Venue: Queenstown Events Centre, Queenstown
Innings Details: Ryder smashed 104 runs off 51 balls, including 12 fours and 5 sixes. His blistering knock helped New Zealand achieve a commanding total in a rain-affected match.
7. Jos Buttler (England) – 46 Balls
- Opponent: Pakistan
- Date: November 20, 2015
- Venue: Dubai International Stadium, UAE
Innings Details: Buttler’s explosive 116* off 52 balls included 10 fours and 8 sixes. His remarkable finishing abilities guided England to a total of 355/5 in a convincing victory.
8. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 48 Balls
Opponent: Pakistan
Date: April 2, 1996
Venue: Singapore Cricket Club Ground, Singapore
Innings Details: Jayasuriya scored 134 runs off 65 balls, with 11 sixes and 11 fours. His aggressive batting made this knock one of the most memorable in ODI history.
9. Kevin O’Brien (Ireland) – 50 Balls
Opponent: England
Date: March 2, 2011 (ICC Cricket World Cup)
Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
Innings Details: O’Brien’s 113 off 63 balls, featuring 13 fours and 6 sixes, stunned England as he led Ireland to a historic victory in the World Cup.
10. Virat Kohli (India) – 52 Balls
Opponent: Australia
Date: October 16, 2013
Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
Innings Details: Kohli’s masterful 100* off 52 balls included 8 fours and 7 sixes. His innings helped India chase down a massive target of 360 with ease.
These exceptional performances underline the talent and power of some of the best ODI players in cricket history. Each of these innings left fans in awe and set new benchmarks in the game!