Who Scored the Quickest Century in One Day Internationals?
In One Day International cricket, scoring a century is considered a remarkable achievement. However, some batsmen have redefined aggressive batting by scoring centuries in record time. The topic Fastest Centuries in ODIs highlights the most explosive innings in cricket history where players reached 100 runs in the fewest number of balls. These innings not only changed the momentum of matches but also transformed the modern approach to limited overs cricket. This page provides detailed information about the fastest centuries in ODIs, key records, important players, and why these achievements are significant for General Knowledge and competitive exams.
What is a Century in ODI Cricket?
A century in ODI cricket means a batsman has scored 100 or more runs in a single innings. Since ODI matches are limited to 50 overs per side, scoring quickly is often crucial. A fastest century refers to the least number of balls taken by a batsman to reach the 100 run mark.
- ODI stands for One Day International.
- Each team plays a maximum of 50 overs.
- A century is completed when a player reaches 100 runs.
- Fast centuries usually involve aggressive stroke play and high strike rates.
Top Fastest Centuries in ODI History
| Player | Balls Taken | Against |
|---|---|---|
| AB de Villiers | 31 Balls | West Indies |
| Corey Anderson | 36 Balls | West Indies |
| Shahid Afridi | 37 Balls | Sri Lanka |
AB de Villiers holds the record for the fastest century in ODI cricket. He scored 100 runs in just 31 balls against West Indies in Johannesburg in 2015. His innings included powerful hitting and innovative shots, making it one of the most memorable performances in cricket history.
Detailed Overview of Record Breaking Innings
AB de Villiers - 31 Balls
On 18 January 2015, AB de Villiers stunned the cricket world by scoring a century in just 31 balls. He smashed 16 sixes and 9 fours in his innings of 149 runs. His strike rate in that match was one of the highest ever recorded in ODIs.
Corey Anderson - 36 Balls
New Zealand all rounder Corey Anderson scored a 36 ball century against West Indies in 2014. He broke Shahid Afridi's long standing record at that time. His innings demonstrated the growing dominance of power hitting in modern cricket.
Shahid Afridi - 37 Balls
Shahid Afridi scored a 37 ball century against Sri Lanka in 1996. His record stood for nearly 18 years. Afridi was known for his fearless batting style and ability to hit big sixes consistently.
Why Fastest Centuries Matter in ODI Cricket
Fast centuries are important because they can completely change the outcome of a match. A quick 100 increases the team score rapidly and puts pressure on the opposition.
- Boosts team total in limited overs format.
- Shifts momentum quickly.
- Demoralizes bowlers and fielding side.
- Entertains spectators and increases viewership.
Fastest Century by Indian in ODIs
Among Indian cricketers, Virat Kohli holds one of the fastest ODI centuries for India, scoring a 52 ball hundred against Australia in 2013. His innings played a crucial role in India's successful chase.
Strike Rate and Its Importance
Strike rate measures how quickly a batsman scores runs. It is calculated using the formula:
Strike Rate = (Total Runs Scored / Total Balls Faced) x 100
In fastest centuries, strike rates often exceed 200, which means the batsman scores more than two runs per ball on average.
Key Points for Competitive Exams
- Fastest ODI century - AB de Villiers - 31 balls - 2015.
- Second fastest - Corey Anderson - 36 balls.
- Third fastest - Shahid Afridi - 37 balls.
- Fastest century by an Indian - Virat Kohli - 52 balls.
- These records are frequently asked in GK and sports awareness sections.
Conclusion
The fastest centuries in ODIs represent the evolution of aggressive batting in limited overs cricket. Players like AB de Villiers, Corey Anderson, and Shahid Afridi have set extraordinary benchmarks that continue to inspire modern cricketers. Understanding these records is important for sports enthusiasts and competitive exam aspirants alike. These achievements highlight how skill, confidence, and power hitting can redefine the game within just a few overs.
FAQs on Fastest ODI Centuries in Cricket History Explained
1. What is the fastest century in ODI cricket history?
The fastest century in ODI cricket history was scored in just 31 balls by AB de Villiers in 2015 against the West Indies.
- Achieved at Johannesburg
- Included 16 sixes and 9 fours
- Also holds the record for fastest 50 (16 balls)
- Considered one of the greatest ODI innings ever played
This record is frequently searched under terms like fastest 100 in ODIs, quickest ODI hundred, and ODI batting records.
2. Who scored the second fastest century in ODIs?
The second fastest ODI century was scored by Corey Anderson in just 36 balls in 2014.
- Played for New Zealand against West Indies
- Broke Shahid Afridi’s long-standing record
- Known for explosive power-hitting
This innings is often searched as Corey Anderson fastest 100 and fastest hundreds in international cricket.
3. How many balls did Shahid Afridi take to score his fastest ODI century?
The legendary Shahid Afridi scored his fastest ODI century in 37 balls in 1996.
- Achieved against Sri Lanka
- Played at Nairobi
- Held the world record for 17 years
This knock is widely remembered among cricket fans searching for Afridi fastest century and historic ODI records.
4. Who has scored the fastest century in ODI World Cup history?
The fastest century in ODI World Cup history was scored by Kevin O’Brien in 50 balls during the 2011 World Cup.
- Played for Ireland against England
- Helped Ireland chase a historic target
- One of the greatest World Cup upsets
People often search this under fastest World Cup hundred and World Cup batting records.
5. Which Indian player has the fastest century in ODIs?
The fastest century by an Indian in ODIs was scored by Virat Kohli in just 52 balls in 2013.
- Achieved against Australia in Jaipur
- Helped India chase 360+ runs
- Known for aggressive yet controlled batting
This record is often searched as fastest ODI hundred by India and Virat Kohli fastest century.
6. What factors help a batsman score a fast century in ODIs?
Scoring a fast century in ODI cricket requires power, timing, and match conditions.
- Aggressive intent and strike rotation
- Favorable pitch and shorter boundaries
- Powerplay fielding restrictions
- Weak or inexperienced bowling attack
These aspects are commonly discussed in queries like how to score fast runs in ODI and ODI batting strategies.
7. Has any player scored a century in less than 30 balls in ODIs?
No player has scored a century in under 30 balls in official ODI cricket so far.
- The current record remains 31 balls by AB de Villiers
- Sub-30 centuries are common only in T20 leagues or unofficial matches
- Breaking this record is considered extremely difficult
Fans often search for sub-30 ball century and fastest cricket hundreds worldwide.
8. What is the difference between fastest century in ODIs and T20Is?
The fastest century in ODIs is 31 balls, while in T20 Internationals it is 35 balls by David Miller and Rohit Sharma.
- ODI format: 50 overs per side
- T20I format: 20 overs per side
- Field restrictions and match pace differ
This comparison is frequently searched as ODI vs T20 fastest hundred and cricket format records.
9. Why are fastest centuries in ODIs important in cricket history?
The fastest ODI centuries showcase aggressive batting and game-changing performances.
- Shift momentum quickly
- Enter record books and cricket history
- Inspire modern power-hitting trends
- Boost team run rates dramatically
Such innings are often part of discussions on greatest ODI knocks and historic cricket moments.
10. Who are the top players known for scoring fast centuries in ODIs?
Several cricketers are famous for scoring quick centuries in ODI cricket.
- AB de Villiers (31 balls)
- Corey Anderson (36 balls)
- Shahid Afridi (37 balls)
- Mark Boucher (44 balls)
- Brian Lara and Jos Buttler for explosive innings
These names frequently appear in searches like fastest ODI centuries list and top ODI batting records.
