One Day International cricket has delivered some breathtaking batting performances, but nothing excites fans more than a lightning-fast hundred. A rapid century can completely change the momentum of a match within minutes. In this updated feature, we explore the Top 5 Fastest ODI Centuries in Cricket History records in cricket history, along with detailed tables of each player’s iconic innings.
The list of the Top 5 Fastest ODI Centuries in Cricket History performances includes explosive batters who redefined aggressive cricket and pushed scoring limits to extraordinary heights.
1. AB de Villiers – 31 Balls

AB de Villiers holds the record for the fastest century in ODI cricket history. He smashed a 31-ball hundred against West Indies in Johannesburg in 2015. This astonishing knock sits firmly at the top of the Top 5 Fastest ODI Centuries in Cricket History rankings.
Match Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Balls to Century | 31 |
| Final Score | 149 |
| Fours | 9 |
| Sixes | 16 |
| Against | West Indies |
| Venue | Johannesburg |
| Year | 2015 |
This legendary innings redefined power-hitting and remains the benchmark in the Top 5 Fastest ODI Centuries in Cricket History list.
ALSO READ:
2. Corey Anderson – 36 Balls

Corey Anderson shocked the cricketing world in 2014 when he scored a 36-ball century against West Indies. Before AB de Villiers broke the record, Anderson briefly topped the Top 5 Fastest ODI Centuries in Cricket History charts.
Match Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Balls to Century | 36 |
| Final Score | 131* |
| Fours | 6 |
| Sixes | 14 |
| Against | West Indies |
| Venue | Queenstown |
| Year | 2014 |
His explosive innings remains one of the most dominant displays in the Top 5 Fastest ODI Centuries in Cricket History history.
3. Shahid Afridi – 37 Balls

Shahid Afridi burst onto the international scene in 1996 with a 37-ball century against Sri Lanka. At just 16 years old, he stunned the world and secured his place in the Top 5 Fastest ODI Centuries in Cricket History list.
Match Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Balls to Century | 37 |
| Final Score | 102 |
| Fours | 6 |
| Sixes | 11 |
| Against | Sri Lanka |
| Venue | Nairobi |
| Year | 1996 |
Afridi’s fearless knock revolutionized aggressive batting and remains iconic in the Top 5 Fastest ODI Centuries in Cricket History rankings.
4. Mark Boucher – 44 Balls

Mark Boucher smashed a 44-ball century against Zimbabwe in 2006. Known primarily as a wicketkeeper, his explosive knock earned him a spot among the Top 5 Fastest ODI Centuries in Cricket History achievers.
Match Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Balls to Century | 44 |
| Final Score | 147* |
| Fours | 8 |
| Sixes | 10 |
| Against | Zimbabwe |
| Venue | Potchefstroom |
| Year | 2006 |
Boucher’s innings stands tall in the Top 5 Fastest ODI Centuries in Cricket History conversation.
5. Brian Lara – 45 Balls

Brian Lara’s 45-ball century against Bangladesh in 1999 completes our Top 5 Fastest ODI Centuries in Cricket History list. Known for elegance, Lara showed that classical stroke-makers could also dominate at lightning pace.
Match Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Balls to Century | 45 |
| Final Score | 117 |
| Fours | 18 |
| Sixes | 4 |
| Against | Bangladesh |
| Venue | Dhaka |
| Year | 1999 |
Lara’s stylish yet aggressive innings remains memorable in the Top 5 Fastest ODI Centuries in Cricket History records.
Final Thoughts
The Top 5 Fastest ODI Centuries in Cricket History showcase cricket at its most explosive and entertaining best. These record-breaking knocks not only changed matches within overs but also redefined aggressive batting in 50-over cricket. As the game evolves, these iconic innings remain benchmarks of power, precision, and fearless intent.
FAQs
1. Who holds the record for the fastest ODI century in history?
AB de Villiers holds the record with a stunning 31-ball century against West Indies in 2015.
2. Who scored the fastest ODI century before AB de Villiers?
Corey Anderson scored a 36-ball century against West Indies in 2014 before the record was broken.
3. Which Pakistani player is among the fastest ODI centurions?
Shahid Afridi smashed a 37-ball century against Sri Lanka in 1996, one of the fastest in ODI history.
SEE MORE:


