Explosive Hitting: The Top Five Fastest Centuries in ODI Cricket History

Cricket, especially in the One-Day International (ODI) format, has witnessed some astonishing batting performances over the years. There are instances where batsmen, with sheer power and skill, have taken the game to another level, smashing records and sending the ball soaring into the stands. The following list highlights some of the most unimaginable hitting feats in ODI history, where players have scored centuries in record time, thrilling fans around the world.

1. AB de Villiers – 149 runs off 31 balls for South Africa against the West Indies in 2015

AB de Villiers, also known as "Mr. 360," is renowned for his innovative stroke play and match-winning ability. However, his explosive knock against the West Indies in 2015 remains one of the most memorable innings in ODI history. In this match, de Villiers took just 31 balls to score 149 runs, setting a world record for the fastest-ever ODI century at that time. His assault on the West Indian bowlers included an array of boundaries, and his innovative shot-making left spectators in awe. De Villiers' extraordinary feat not only earned him a place in the record books but also solidified his reputation as one of the greatest finishers in modern cricket.

2. Corey Anderson – 131 not out off 36 balls for New Zealand against the West Indies in 2014

Corey Anderson’s whirlwind innings against the West Indies in 2014 is another example of unimaginable hitting in ODI cricket. Anderson, with his power and ability to clear the boundary with ease, scored 131 not out off just 36 balls, making it one of the fastest centuries in ODI history. His innings were full of big shots, including numerous sixes, as he single-handedly destroyed the West Indian bowling attack. Anderson’s remarkable knock helped New Zealand to a massive total and showcased his ability to turn the game on its head in a matter of minutes.

3. Shahid Afridi – 102 runs off 37 balls for Pakistan against Sri Lanka in 1996

Shahid Afridi, one of the most destructive hitters of the ball, has long been known for his explosive style of batting. His 102 runs off just 37 balls against Sri Lanka in 1996 is a testament to his extraordinary power and fearless approach. Afridi’s innings included an onslaught of boundaries and sixes, and it was his aggressive hitting that helped Pakistan post a formidable total. His ability to score quickly, especially in the early overs, made him a unique player in the ODI format. This knock by Afridi remains one of the fastest centuries in the history of ODI cricket and is still celebrated by fans as one of the best examples of brutal batting.

4. Glenn Maxwell – 106 runs off 40 balls for Australia against the Netherlands in 2023

Glenn Maxwell is known for his ability to dominate bowlers and entertain crowds with his flamboyant batting. In 2023, Maxwell exhibited his power-hitting skills against the Netherlands, scoring 106 runs off just 40 balls. His knock was filled with outrageous strokes, including several massive sixes, as he single-handedly took the game away from the Netherlands. Maxwell’s ability to accelerate from the very first ball he faced was on full display, and his century remains one of the fastest in ODI history. This performance reinforced Maxwell’s status as one of the most destructive and entertaining batsmen in world cricket.

5. Mark Boucher – 147 not out off 44 balls for South Africa against Zimbabwe in 2006

Mark Boucher, primarily known for his wicketkeeping skills, shocked the cricketing world with his explosive batting display against Zimbabwe in 2006. Boucher scored 147 not out off just 44 balls, a remarkable feat that included an impressive number of boundaries and sixes. His fearless approach and ability to find the gaps made him one of the few wicketkeepers to score such an aggressive century in ODI cricket. Boucher's innings helped South Africa post a massive total and was an important contribution to their dominance in that match. His century, coming in a mere 44 balls remains one of the fastest in ODI history and is a testament to his versatility as a cricketer.

These five innings are a testament to the immense power and skill possessed by some of the greatest hitters in ODI cricket history. From AB de Villiers’ record-breaking 31-ball century to Glenn Maxwell’s 40-ball blitz against the Netherlands, these players have rewritten the history books with their incredible batting performances. Each of these knocks has not only enthralled fans but also redefined the way ODI cricket is played, proving that in the world of cricket, anything is possible when a batsman is in full flow. As the game continues to evolve, these memorable innings will remain benchmarks for future players striving to achieve similar feats.