Fastest Century in ODI Cricket

In cricket, especially in One Day Internationals (ODIs), scoring a century is one of the most important things a batsman can do. A player who has the fastest century in ODI history has a huge record that indicates not only how good they are at batting, but also how well they can handle pressure, make quick decisions, and face the best bowlers in the world. Many players from around the world have taken part in the thrilling race for the fastest century in ODI cricket, which has changed hands many times.

This article talks about the history of the fastest century in ODI cricket. It looks at the records achieved by different players, the conditions that made these records possible, and where they fit into cricket history.

Who is the fastest player to get a hundred runs in an ODI?

The fastest century in ODI cricket history was scored by South African cricket star AB de Villiers. He scored 100 runs in just 31 balls during a game against the West Indies in Johannesburg on January 18, 2015. This incredible feat set new marks and revolutionised the way fast batters may be in ODIs.

Before AB de Villiers broke it, Shahid Afridi, a Pakistani all-rounder, held the record for the fastest century. In 1996, Afridi blasted 100 runs in 37 balls.

A timeline of the fastest century records


Let’s look at the different players who have held the fastest century record in ODI history to get a better idea of the record’s history:

Batsman Balls to Century Runs Scored Date Opponent Country
AB de Villiers 31 149* January 18, 2015 West Indies South Africa
Shahid Afridi 37 102 October 4, 1996 Sri Lanka Pakistan
Brian Lara 45 115 February 17, 1999 Bangladesh West Indies
Mark Boucher 46 147 March 9, 2006 Zimbabwe South Africa
Corey Anderson 46 131 January 1, 2014 India New Zealand

AB de Villiers is the Master of the Fastest ODI Century.


AB de Villiers is often dubbed one of the most innovative and dynamic batsman in cricket. He made history when he hit a hundred off just 31 balls. He broke a record during an ODI game between South Africa and the West Indies at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.

Fastest Century in ODI Cricket

Details about the Record:

  • De Villiers came in to bat for South Africa at number 5 in a chase against the West Indies.

  • In January 2015, South Africa played the West Indies in a series of home games.

  • He set a new record for the fastest century in 31 balls, surpassing Shahid Afridi’s record of 37 balls.

Times that are important:

  • AB de Villiers hit a number of risky shots, like draws, scoops, and reverse sweeps, that made it impossible for the West Indian bowlers to get him out.

  • People in the cricket world were amazed by how he could hit strange shots whenever he wanted. They praised him for how he could use his raw force and creativity to push the game to the next level.

  • He blasted 16 sixes and 9 fours in just six overs to reach his century.

Shahid Afridi: The First Innovator


Before AB de Villiers, Shahid Afridi held the record for the fastest century in ODIs. He got a hundred off just 37 balls against Sri Lanka in an ODI in Nairobi in 1996.

The Record’s Information:

  • Afridi’s century off 37 balls changed everything. It demonstrated how strong he was and how well he could hit big sixes.

  • He was famed not just in Pakistan but all around the world for his aggressive batting style and ability to take on any bowler in the world.

  • Afridi’s record stood for almost twenty years till de Villiers shattered it.

Key Events:

  • Afridi hit a bunch of sixes that looked easy, which was a key part of his innings.

  • His innings helped Pakistan get to a good total, and his job as a finisher in the middle overs was a significant part of Pakistan’s success in limited-overs cricket.

Corey Anderson is another star from New Zealand.


In 2014, Corey Anderson from New Zealand also created news when he hit 100 runs in 46 balls against India. Getting the fastest century in ODIs was his ambition, and scoring a century in 46 balls was another step towards that goal.

Details About the Record:

  • It was January 1, 2014, when Anderson achieved it. At the time, New Zealand was playing India in South Africa.

  • Anderson’s century in 46 balls shattered the record set by Mark Boucher (who took 46 balls) and made him one of the best all-around players in the world.

Read more: Rivalry Between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians

What Happened to Make the Fastest Century


The conditions of the pitch can have a huge impact on how soon a batsman can reach 100 runs. Some pitches make the ball go quicker, which makes it easier to score quickly. Other pitches make the ball go slower, which makes it harder to score quickly.

  • A batter who is in good form, has a clear brain, and is sure of himself is more likely to get a quick century. You need to be sure of yourself so you can play shots without thinking about them and take risks when you need to.

  • Bowling Attack: The opposite team’s bowlers’ talent is also highly crucial. A batsman can sometimes score quickly if the bowler is weak or aggressive.

Comparative Analysis of the Fastest Centuries

Batsman Balls to Century Runs Scored Date Opponent Country
AB de Villiers 31 149* January 18, 2015 West Indies South Africa
Shahid Afridi 37 102 October 4, 1996 Sri Lanka Pakistan
Corey Anderson 46 131 January 1, 2014 India New Zealand
Mark Boucher 46 147 March 9, 2006 Zimbabwe South Africa
Brian Lara 45 115 February 17, 1999 Bangladesh West Indies

The Importance of Quick Centuries in ODI Cricket: What They Do to the Game


The way ODI cricket is played has changed since players can now score quickly. Fast centuries are increasingly a significant part of a team’s success in limited-overs formats, where runs need to be scored rapidly.

  • Psychological strain: When a team scores a quick century, it puts a lot of pressure on the other team’s bowlers, which could make them attack and fall apart. It makes the bowlers think about their strategies again, which might change the direction of the game.

  • Finishers: Players like AB de Villiers, Shahid Afridi, and Corey Anderson have proved that getting a lot of runs quickly isn’t only about how you play; it’s also about staying calm and handling stress.

Finally, a race to the top


The record for the fastest century in ODI cricket has changed hands a few times, but one thing that hasn’t changed is that being able to score quickly is still a big part of modern cricket. We’ve seen how batters like AB de Villiers, Shahid Afridi, and Corey Anderson use their power, skill, and timing to make brilliant plays.

As records keep getting broken, we can only expect more spectacular hitting in the future. The fastest century isn’t just a record; it’s a promise to do something. It highlights how cricket is changing, with strategy and aggression working together to push the game’s limits.

Rohan Mehra

Rohan Mehra is a dedicated cricket writer with a deep passion for the game. With years of experience in content creation, Rohan combines his love for the sport with a keen analytical mind to bring insightful articles to readers. His writing spans match analyses, player profiles, and in-depth breakdowns of key moments in cricket history. Rohan’s passion is rooted in his respect for the game's rich legacy, always highlighting the remarkable journeys of cricket’s icons. His fan-centric approach to content ensures that each piece resonates with fellow enthusiasts.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *