Top Five Fastest Centuries in ODI World Cup History: A Look at the Quickest Knockouts in Cricket's Biggest Tournament
The ICC Cricket World Cup, the biggest tournament in the sport, has witnessed numerous record-breaking moments over the years. Records are made to be set and, eventually, broken. Among these remarkable feats, the fastest centuries in World Cup history stand out as game-changing moments that have left a lasting impact on the tournament. These record-breaking knocks have often turned matches on their head and played a pivotal role in deciding the outcomes. Here’s a look at the top 5 fastest centuries in the history of the ODI World Cup.
Glenn Maxwell: 100(40) vs Netherlands, World Cup 2023
It would be surprising not to include Glenn Maxwell on this list. Maxwell had a fantastic 2023 World Cup, showcasing one of the best ODI innings against Afghanistan. Prior to that, he announced his return to form with a record-breaking century against the Netherlands. In that match, Australia scored 399/8 while batting first, and Maxwell's incredible knock played a significant role in achieving that total. He hit 9 fours and 8 sixes, reaching his century in just 40 balls and finishing with a remarkable score of 106 off 44 balls. This innings helped Australia regain their momentum in the World Cup, as they won the match by 309 runs, highlighted by Maxwell's record for the fastest century.
Aiden Markaram: 100(49) vs Sri Lanka, World Cup 2023
Aiden Markram could be a significant surprise on this list, considering his natural playing style. His knock against Sri Lanka was one of his best performances and marked the fastest century in ODI history by a South African. South Africa scored 428 runs for the loss of five wickets in their 50 overs, with centuries from Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, and Quinton de Kock. This was the first time South Africa had three centurions in a single World Cup match. Markram's century of 106 runs off just 54 balls was the standout knock, as he reached the milestone in only 46 balls, showcasing an array of shots all over the field, particularly aggressive against the spinners. South Africa ultimately defeated Sri Lanka by 102 runs, highlighted by Markram's remarkable century.
Kevin O’Brein: 100(50) vs England, World Cup 2011
This knock by Kevin O'Brien from the Irish team is one to remember forever. It was particularly special because he achieved this while chasing a daunting target. No one would have expected the underdogs, Ireland, to pull off such a heist in the World Cup, making it a significant talking point and one of the best knocks in World Cup history. England set a formidable target of 327 runs for Ireland. Despite the balancing act between bat and ball in the 2011 matches, Ireland chased down this target in just 49 overs, marking it as one of their biggest-ever successful chases, ultimately defeating England by 3 wickets. Kevin O'Brien scored an impressive 113 runs off just 56 deliveries, securing his century in only 50 balls against renowned bowlers like James Anderson, Stuart Broad, and Graeme Swann. This victory was a memorable milestone for Ireland, highlighted by Kevin O'Brien's record-breaking century.
Glenn Maxwell: 100(51) vs Sri Lanka, World Cup 2015
Glenn Maxwell once again makes the list of centuries, showcasing his ability to be a match winner. It was one of the best innings by the young Maxwell in that World Cup, further reinforcing Australia’s dominance in the tournament. Australia scored 376/9, thanks to impressive performances from Maxwell and others. In response, Sri Lanka fell short by 64 runs. The innings was highlighted by Maxwell’s fastest century, which stood as the record for another two World Cups before he eventually broke his own record.
AB De Villiers: 100(52) vs West Indies. World Cup 2015
One of the most explosive and unexpected knocks in World Cup history was the AB de Villiers storm, a performance that left fans and critics alike in awe. South Africa got off to a smooth start batting first in the match, but it was when de Villiers arrived at the crease that the game truly turned on its head. With breathtaking aggression and flair, he tore apart the West Indies bowling attack, scoring an incredible 162 runs off just 66 balls. His audacious stroke play and ability to score runs effortlessly made this innings one of the most memorable in World Cup history. South Africa went on to defeat the West Indies by a massive 257 runs, with de Villiers’ knock undoubtedly being the defining moment of the match, solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s greats.
In conclusion, the ICC Cricket World Cup has always been a stage for record-breaking moments, and the fastest centuries in its history are no exception. These blistering knocks not only demonstrate the incredible skill and aggression of the players but also have the power to change the course of a game in an instant. Each of these record-breaking innings has had a profound impact on the tournament, often determining the outcome of crucial matches. As the World Cup continues to evolve, new records will certainly be set, but these top 5 fastest centuries will forever remain iconic in the history of the tournament.
