Cricket has evolved over the years, and One Day Internationals (ODIs) have witnessed some of the most thrilling batting performances. Among these, fastest centuries in ODI cricket history stand out as iconic moments that showcase a player’s dominance, fearless stroke play, and unmatched confidence. From power-hitters to classical stroke-makers, these records highlight how modern cricket has redefined batting aggression.

In this blog, we’ll explore the Top 10 fastest centuries in ODIs, their match situations, and the impact they had on cricket fans worldwide.

1. AB de Villiers – 31 Balls vs West Indies (2015)

• Date: January 18, 2015

• Venue: Johannesburg, South Africa

• Balls faced for 100: 31

• Final Score: 149 (44 balls, 16 sixes, 9 fours)

South African legend AB de Villiers holds the record for the fastest century in ODI cricket history. Against West Indies, he smashed bowlers to every corner of the park, scoring a century in just 31 balls. His breathtaking knock included 16 sixes, making it one of the greatest ODI innings ever.

👉 This record remains untouched and symbolizes the fearless brand of modern batting.

2. Corey Anderson – 36 Balls vs West Indies (2014)

• Date: January 1, 2014

• Venue: Queenstown, New Zealand

• Balls faced for 100: 36

• Final Score: 131* (47 balls, 14 sixes, 6 fours)

Before de Villiers, Corey Anderson held the record for the fastest hundred in ODIs. His blistering knock against West Indies came off 36 balls on New Year’s Day, shocking the cricketing world. Anderson’s innings put him on the global stage as one of the cleanest hitters of the ball.

3. Shahid Afridi – 37 Balls vs Sri Lanka (1996)

• Date: October 4, 1996

• Venue: Nairobi, Kenya

• Balls faced for 100: 37

• Final Score: 102 (40 balls, 11 sixes, 6 fours)

Shahid Afridi, also known as Boom Boom Afridi, stunned the cricketing world in 1996 when he scored a century in just 37 balls against Sri Lanka at the age of 16. For 18 years, this record stood untouched until Corey Anderson broke it. Afridi’s innings defined aggressive batting in ODIs.

4. Asif Khan – 41 Balls vs Nepal (2023)

• Date: March 16, 2023

• Venue: Kirtipur, Nepal

• Balls faced for 100: 41

• Final Score: 101* (42 balls, 11 sixes, 4 fours)

UAE’s Asif Khan etched his name in ODI history by scoring the fastest century by an Associate nation player. His 41-ball century against Nepal showcased the rise of Associate cricket and how fearless batting is spreading beyond Test-playing nations.

5. Mark Boucher – 44 Balls vs Zimbabwe (2006)

• Date: September 20, 2006

• Venue: Potchefstroom, South Africa

• Balls faced for 100: 44

• Final Score: 147* (68 balls, 10 sixes, 8 fours)

South African wicketkeeper Mark Boucher stunned fans with a whirlwind knock against Zimbabwe. His 44-ball century was overshadowed by Herschelle Gibbs’ six sixes in the same tournament, but it remains one of the quickest tons in ODI cricket.

6. Brian Lara – 45 Balls vs Bangladesh (1999)

• Date: October 9, 1999

• Venue: Dhaka, Bangladesh

• Balls faced for 100: 45

• Final Score: 117 (62 balls, 7 sixes, 18 fours)

The legendary Brian Lara joined the list of fastest ODI centuries with his 45-ball ton against Bangladesh. Known for his elegant stroke play, Lara proved he could combine style with destructive power when required.

7. Shahid Afridi – 45 Balls vs India (2005)

• Date: April 15, 2005

• Venue: Kanpur, India

• Balls faced for 100: 45

• Final Score: 102 (46 balls, 10 sixes, 9 fours)

Afridi appears again on this list, this time for his fiery knock against arch-rivals India. His 45-ball century silenced the Kanpur crowd and reminded everyone why he was one of the most feared hitters in world cricket.

8. Jesse Ryder – 46 Balls vs West Indies (2014)

• Date: January 1, 2014

• Venue: Queenstown, New Zealand

• Balls faced for 100: 46

• Final Score: 104 (51 balls, 12 fours, 5 sixes)

On the same day Corey Anderson broke Afridi’s record, his teammate Jesse Ryder also smashed a century in just 46 balls against West Indies. It was overshadowed by Anderson’s heroics, but Ryder’s innings remains one of the fastest in ODI history.

9. Jos Buttler – 46 Balls vs Pakistan (2015)

• Date: November 20, 2015

• Venue: Dubai, UAE

• Balls faced for 100: 46

• Final Score: 116* (52 balls, 8 sixes, 10 fours)

England’s Jos Buttler is known for his explosive finishing skills. Against Pakistan, he smashed a 46-ball hundred, cementing his reputation as one of the most dangerous ODI batters of his generation.

10. Sanath Jayasuriya – 48 Balls vs Pakistan (1996)

• Date: April 2, 1996

• Venue: Singapore

• Balls faced for 100: 48

• Final Score: 134 (65 balls, 11 sixes, 11 fours)

The pioneer of aggressive ODI batting, Sanath Jayasuriya, scored a 48-ball century against Pakistan in 1996. His fearless approach at the top of the order changed the way ODIs were played forever.

Final Thoughts

The fastest centuries in ODI cricket history are more than just numbers; they represent moments of brilliance where batters dominated bowlers with sheer power and skill. From AB de Villiers’ record-shattering 31-ball hundred to Afridi’s teenage heroics, these innings will be remembered forever.

As cricket continues to evolve with T20 influence, we may see this list reshaped in the coming years. But for now, these knocks stand as benchmarks of explosive batting in the 50-over format.

❓ FAQ Section

1. Who scored the fastest century in ODI cricket history?

AB de Villiers holds the record for the fastest ODI century, scoring 100 runs in just 31 balls against West Indies in 2015.

2. Which Indian player has the fastest century in ODI cricket?

Virat Kohli scored India’s fastest ODI century in 52 balls against Australia in Jaipur (2013).

3. Who was the youngest player to hit the fastest century in ODI?

Shahid Afridi scored a 37-ball century against Sri Lanka in 1996 at the age of just 16 years, making him the youngest player to achieve this feat.

4. How many players have scored a century in under 40 balls in ODIs?

Only three players have managed it:

• AB de Villiers (31 balls)

• Corey Anderson (36 balls)

• Shahid Afridi (37 balls)

5. Will the record of fastest ODI century be broken soon?

With the rise of T20 cricket and aggressive batting styles, experts believe that AB de Villiers’ 31-ball century may be challenged in the coming years.