Introduction: Speed Meets Precision
In cricket, a century is one of the most celebrated milestones for a batter. But when it comes to the fastest hundreds, the achievement becomes even more thrilling. Scoring 100 runs in the fewest balls reflects not just skill but fearless intent and extraordinary timing. This article explores the fastest centuries across all three formats of international cricket—ODIs, T20Is, and Tests—highlighting the players who turned batting into an art of speed.
Fastest Century in ODI Cricket
AB de Villiers – 31 Balls vs West Indies (2015)
The record for the fastest century in ODI cricket is held by AB de Villiers of South Africa, who scored his 100 in just 31 balls against the West Indies in Johannesburg on 18 January 2015. His knock included 16 sixes and 9 fours, and he reached 50 in just 16 balls. De Villiers’ record remains untouched and is considered one of the most explosive innings in ODI history.
Top 5 Fastest ODI Hundreds (as of 2024)
| Rank | Player | Balls Taken | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AB de Villiers (South Africa) | 31 | West Indies | 2015 |
| 2 | Corey Anderson (New Zealand) | 36 | West Indies | 2014 |
| 3 | Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) | 37 | Sri Lanka | 1996 |
| 4 | Brian Lara (West Indies) | 45 | Bangladesh | 1999 |
| 5 | Jos Buttler (England) | 46 | Pakistan | 2015 |
Fastest Century in T20 International Cricket
Kushal Malla – 34 Balls vs Mongolia (2023)
The fastest T20I century is held by Kushal Malla of Nepal, who scored a hundred off just 34 balls against Mongolia during the Asian Games 2023. His innings helped Nepal post a record-breaking total of 314 runs, the highest team total in T20I history. Malla’s record highlights the global spread of power-hitting in modern cricket.
Other Fast T20I Centuries
- David Miller (35 balls vs Bangladesh, 2017)
- Rohit Sharma (35 balls vs Sri Lanka, 2017)
- Sivakumar Periyalwar (35 balls vs Turkey, 2019)
Fastest Century in Test Cricket
Brendon McCullum – 54 Balls vs Australia (2016)
The fastest Test century belongs to Brendon McCullum of New Zealand, who reached his hundred in just 54 balls against Australia at Christchurch in 2016. This blistering innings came in his final Test match, making the achievement even more iconic. McCullum surpassed the previous record of Viv Richards and Misbah-ul-Haq, both of whom had scored centuries in 56 balls.
Fastest Test Hundreds (by balls faced)
| Rank | Player | Balls Taken | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) | 54 | Australia | 2016 |
| 2 | Viv Richards (West Indies) | 56 | England | 1986 |
| 3 | Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan) | 56 | Australia | 2014 |
| 4 | Adam Gilchrist (Australia) | 57 | England | 2006 |
| 5 | Jack Gregory (Australia) | 67 | South Africa | 1921 |
Why Fast Hundreds Matter in Modern Cricket
Fast hundreds have become more common in the T20 era, where aggression and innovation are encouraged. In ODIs and Tests, such innings can shift momentum rapidly and apply pressure on bowlers. With players adopting power-hitting techniques and using advanced bats, scoring rates have dramatically improved over the years.
Fast centuries not only entertain crowds but also play a strategic role, especially in chasing targets or turning games during powerplays or death overs. These explosive innings are often remembered longer than slow double centuries.
Read Also: Highest Sixes in ODI Cricket: Legends Who Dominated the Boundary
Players Known for Fast Hundreds
Several modern cricketers have made a reputation for scoring quick centuries:
- AB de Villiers – Also known as “Mr. 360” for his ability to hit all around the ground
- Jos Buttler – England’s finisher with multiple fast hundreds
- Glenn Maxwell – Australia’s middle-order powerhouse
- Rohit Sharma – India’s opener with aggressive intent
- Shahid Afridi – Among the pioneers of ultra-aggressive ODI batting
Will the Record Be Broken?
As T20 leagues expand and batting techniques evolve, it’s very likely that new records will emerge. With players like Liam Livingstone, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tristan Stubbs rising through the ranks, a sub-30 ball century in ODIs or T20Is may not be far away. In Test cricket, while aggression is rising, conditions and field settings still make ultra-fast centuries rare.
Conclusion
The fastest hundred in cricket history remains one of the most thrilling feats in the sport. Whether it’s AB de Villiers’ 31-ball ODI hundred, Brendon McCullum’s rapid farewell in Tests, or Kushal Malla’s record in T20Is, each of these innings has left an unforgettable mark. These centuries are not just about statistics—they represent a shift in how modern cricket is played and enjoyed.
FAQs
Q1: Who scored the fastest hundred in ODI cricket?
A: AB de Villiers, in 31 balls against West Indies in 2015.
Q2: What is the fastest T20 international century?
A: Kushal Malla scored it in 34 balls against Mongolia in 2023.
Q3: Who holds the fastest century in Test cricket?
A: Brendon McCullum, with a 54-ball hundred against Australia in 2016.
Q4: Can anyone break AB de Villiers’ ODI record?
A: With the rise of T20-style hitting, it’s possible but will require near-perfect execution and conditions.
