The Fastest Century in ODI Cricket and ODI Worldcup

The current fastest ODI century record belongs to AB de Villiers, achieved in just 31 balls against the West Indies in 2015. This remarkable feat solidified his status as an ODI legend, surpassing Afridi’s historic record. In this article we will discuss about the history of The Fastest Century in ODI Cricket.

What is the Fastest Century in ODI Cricket?

In ODI cricket, the term “fastest century” refers to the number of balls faced by a batsman to score 100 runs. A century is considered one of the most prestigious milestones in cricket, and achieving it in the fewest balls is a remarkable feat.

The Players

1. Shahid Afridi (1996)

In a sensational debut on October 4, 1996, Shahid Afridi, the dynamic Pakistani all-rounder, etched his name in ODI cricket history. He blazed to a century against Sri Lanka in just 37 balls, marking one of the fastest ODI centuries at the time.

Afridi’s incredible knock included 102 runs, 6 fours, and 11 sixes, with a staggering strike rate of 255. This record-breaking feat stood for nearly 18 years, solidifying Afridi’s status as a cricket legend.

2. Corey Anderson (2014)

New Zealand’s Corey Anderson made history by reaching a century in 36 balls against India, breaking Razzaq’s record. See Also: Longest Six in Cricket History

3. AB de Villiers (2015)

South African superstar AB de Villiers took the cricketing world by storm when he smashed a century in a mere 31 balls against the West Indies, setting a new benchmark for the fastest century in ODIs. See Also:What is a Free Hit in Cricket?

The Fastest Century in ODI Worldcup

Australia’s Glenn Maxwell holds the record for the fastest century in ODI World Cup history, having reached the milestone in just 40 deliveries. He achieved this feat against the Netherlands on October 25 at Arun Jaitley Stadium.

The Factors Behind Speedy Centuries

Several factors contribute to the creation of a record-breaking century:

1. Batting Skills

Players with exceptional batting skills and a wide range of shots are more likely to achieve a fast century.

2. Pitch Conditions

The condition of the pitch can greatly impact a batsman’s ability to score quickly. Flat and favorable pitches are more conducive to fast centuries.

3. Power Hitting

Batsmen who excel in power hitting and can consistently find the boundaries are more likely to reach a century quickly.

4. Opponent’s Bowling

 Facing relatively weaker bowling attacks can make it easier to score quickly.

5. Mindset

A positive and aggressive mindset is crucial for batsmen attempting to break the record. Fearless, innovative shots can accelerate the scoring rate.

The Entertainment Factor

The pursuit of the fastest century not only sets records but also adds a significant dose of entertainment to the game. Spectators are captivated by the exhilarating batting performances that push the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport.

Conclusion

In ODI cricket, the fastest century is a record that showcases the incredible talent and innovation of the world’s top cricketers. Players like Shahid Afridi, Corey Anderson, and AB de Villiers have etched their names in the annals of cricket history with their remarkable achievements. These extraordinary feats continue to inspire new generations of cricketers and provide fans with unforgettable moments in the world of sports. While breaking these records is no easy task, it keeps the spirit of competition alive and ensures that the excitement of ODI cricket never wanes.