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ODI World Cup: Top 5 fastest World Cup centuries by Indians
In their last league game against the Netherlands, India continued their dominance in the ongoing tournament. Rohit Sharma-led team thrashed the Dutch by 160 runs at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
However, in the game, the Indian batting unit shone as all five top players registered magnificent 50+ scores. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul completed his century and also became the fastest Indian to score a World Cup century. So, in today’s article, we will discuss the top 5 fastest Indian players to score an ODI World Cup century.
#5. Virat Kohli in 83 balls vs. Bangladesh, 2011
Virat Kohli vs Bangladesh in 2011 (Source: Twitter)
In a stellar display of cricketing brilliance, Virat Kohli etched his name in World Cup history during the 2011 tournament opener against Bangladesh in Mirpur. The talismanic batter marked his maiden World Cup appearance with a breathtaking 83-ball century. Kohli’s innings, filled with eight fours and two sixes, were a masterclass in precision and aggression.
Partnering with Virender Sehwag, their extraordinary 203-run stand propelled India to a formidable total of 370/4. Kohli’s century played a pivotal role in India’s commanding victory, as they eventually triumphed over Bangladesh by 87 runs, setting the stage for a memorable World Cup campaign.
#4. Virender Sehwag in 81 balls vs. Bermuda, 2007
Virender Sehwag vs Bermuda in 2007 (Source: Twitter)
Virender Sehwag left an indelible mark with a blazing century during a group stage match in the 2007 ODI World Cup against Bermuda in Trinidad. Coming in after an early wicket loss, Sehwag’s explosive innings saw him amass 114 runs off just 87 balls, featuring 17 boundaries and three sixes. It’s worth noting that he scored his century on just 81 balls.
Partnering with Sourav Ganguly, their 202-run partnership set the stage for India’s imposing total of 413/5, the highest in an ODI World Cup innings for India. Sehwag’s dominating display showcased his fearless approach, contributing significantly to India’s resounding victory as Bermuda crumbled for 156 runs in response.
#3. Kapil Dev in 72 balls vs. Zimbabwe, 1983
Kapil Dec vs Zimbabwe in 1983 (Source: Twitter)
In a pivotal 1983 World Cup encounter against Zimbabwe, Kapil Dev etched his name in cricket history with a sensational unbeaten knock of 175* off 138 balls. Facing the daunting challenge of crumbling at 17/5, Kapil walked in and staged a miraculous turnaround, counterattacking the opposition’s formidable bowling duo of Peter Rawson and Kevin Curran.
Kapil’s innings featured 16 boundaries and six maximums on a challenging Neville Grounds pitch. His century, achieved in just 72 balls, remains the third-fastest by an Indian in World Cup history. His innings helped India win a do-or-die game and qualify for the next stage.
#2. Rohit Sharma in 63 balls vs. Afghanistan, 2023
Rohit Sharma vs Afghanistan in 2023 (Source: Twitter)
In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, Rohit Sharma, the current Indian skipper, stole the limelight in Match 9 of the 2023 ODI World Cup. Facing Afghanistan’s challenge in Delhi, Rohit unleashed a breathtaking innings, scoring a remarkable 131 runs off just 84 balls. Opting to bat first, Afghanistan set a target of 273 runs, with their skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi contributing a well-made 80.
However, it was Rohit’s relentless assault on the Afghan bowlers that left the crowd at Delhi’s packed stadium in awe. His century, achieved in a mere 63 balls, not only propelled India to victory but also marked his seventh century in ODI World Cups, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record. Rohit Sharma’s blazing century truly etched a memorable chapter in the ongoing tournament.
#1. KL Rahul in 62 balls vs. the Netherlands, 2023
KL Rahul vs Netherlands in 2023 (Source: Twitter)
In a stunning display of batting prowess, KL Rahul stole the spotlight exactly a month after Rohit Sharma’s memorable performance against Afghanistan. Rahul not only surpassed his skipper but also claimed the title of Indian with the fastest ODI World Cup century. Amidst an all-round dominance by the Indian batting lineup, Rahul’s extraordinary innings saw him reach a century in just 62 balls.
Building on the platform set by Rohit, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli, Rahul, alongside Shreyas Iyer, capitalized on the favourable batting conditions in Bengaluru. The dynamic duo unleashed a barrage of boundaries, treating the crowd to a spectacle of sumptuous strokeplay and solidifying India’s commanding position in the match.