Fastest centuries in the ICC Cricket World Cup are among the most electrifying feats in the sport, moments where a batter rewrites history in mere overs, dismantling bowling attacks with ruthless precision. The World Cup, more than just the pinnacle of international cricket, is a grand stage where legends are born, careers are defined, and the boundaries of the game are pushed to their limits. And nothing captures that spirit better than a blazing hundred scored at breakneck speed.
These innings aren’t just about scoring runs quickly; they’re acts of defiance, statements of intent, and expressions of unmatched skill under the brightest spotlight. Let’s dive into the Top 5 Fastest Centuries in ODI World Cup History, where each knock left the crowd in awe, the opposition stunned, and the record books rewritten.
5. AB de Villiers – 162 off 66 balls vs West Indies, 2015
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground
Date: February 27, 2015
Match: South Africa vs West Indies
While his 52-ball century was blisteringly fast, it was the quality of stroke-making that made this knock unforgettable. AB walked in during the 30th over and finished with a jaw-dropping 162 not out off 66 balls. From cheeky scoops to towering straight sixes, it was a shot-making masterclass.
He helped South Africa race from 146/3 to 408/5, hitting 30 runs in a single over off Jason Holder, and smashing the fastest 150 in ODI history along the way. It was a performance that blended innovation, destruction, and sheer entertainment, and remains one of the greatest One-Day Internationals (ODIs) ever played.
AB de Villiers’ Innings Stats (vs West Indies):
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR | Century Balls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 162* | 66 | 17 | 8 | 245.45 | 52 |
4. Glenn Maxwell – 102 off 51 balls vs Sri Lanka, 2015
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground
Date: March 8, 2015
Match: Australia vs Sri Lanka
Maxwell appears again on this list, and rightly so. His 2015 knock against Sri Lanka was a showcase of raw aggression and peak confidence. Australia were already in a dominant position, and Maxwell walked in with a license to thrill.
Within no time, he was toying with the field placements and bowlers alike. His 51-ball century was the second-fastest in World Cup history at the time. The highlight? His fearless range from reverse paddles to down-the-track sixes.
Glenn Maxwell’s Innings Stats (vs Sri Lanka):
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR | Century Balls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 102 | 53 | 10 | 4 | 192.45 | 51 |
3. Kevin O’Brien – 113 off 50 balls vs England, 2011
Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Date: March 2, 2011
Match: Ireland vs England
In one of the biggest World Cup upsets of all time, Kevin O’Brien scripted a miraculous chase against England. Chasing 328, Ireland were tottering at 111/5 when O’Brien walked in. What followed was a 50-ball century, the fastest in World Cup history at that time.
Kevin, with his pink hair and fearless hitting, dismantled England’s attack, particularly targeting the spinners and medium-pacers. His unrelenting assault brought Ireland back from the brink and turned him into a national hero overnight.
Kevin O’Brien’s Innings Stats (vs England):
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR | Century Balls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 113 | 63 | 13 | 6 | 179.36 | 50 |
2. Aiden Markram – 106 off 49 balls vs Sri Lanka, 2023
Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Date: October 7, 2023
Match: South Africa vs Sri Lanka
In a match that would go down in the record books for its sheer run-fest (South Africa posted 428, the highest ever in a World Cup match), Markram played the lead role in the carnage. Known more for his composed Test temperament, Markram unleashed his aggressive alter ego in this match.
His innings was the perfect blend of elegance and brutality, commanding straight drives, booming pulls, and fearless inside-out lofts. He barely looked like he was taking risks, yet the runs flowed at a jaw-dropping pace.
Aiden Markram’s Innings Stats (vs Sri Lanka):
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR | Century Balls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 106 | 54 | 14 | 3 | 196.29 | 49 |
1. Glenn Maxwell – 106 off 40 balls vs Netherlands, 2023
Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Date: October 25, 2023
Match: Australia vs Netherlands
When Australia took on the Netherlands in Delhi, few expected fireworks of such absurd magnitude. Glenn Maxwell, known for his audacity, unpredictability, and 360-degree hitting, entered the record books by scoring the fastest-ever century in ODI World Cup history, off just 40 balls.
Coming in after a solid platform was laid, Maxwell didn’t waste time. He tore into the Dutch bowling with astonishing innovation, reverse sweeps, scoops, audacious pulls, and straight lofts. It was carnage. His century eclipsed Aiden Markram’s record and left fans and commentators awestruck.
Glenn Maxwell’s Innings Stats (vs Netherlands):
| Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR | Century Balls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 106 | 44 | 9 | 8 | 240.90 | 40 |
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