Top 5 fastest centuries in ODI World Cup history

The much-awaited cricket festival has started in India as the ODI World Cup 2023 finally kicked off. The grand event is entirely being hosted by India for the first time. With the contest being played in India, the batters from all the teams will look to perform well as the pitches in India majorly favour the batters.

Cricket is often described as a game of patience and strategy but there are also some moments of sheer brilliance and explosive power. One such interesting aspect is the ability of batters to score the fastest centuries that too in a grand event like the ODI World Cup. Here, we will take a look at the top 5 fastest centuries in the history of this prestigious tournament.

1. Glenn Maxwell (Australia) – 40 balls (2023)

In the 2023 ODI World Cup, Glenn Maxwell, famously known as “the Big Show,” participated in a league match against the Netherlands on October 25. During this game, the Australian all-rounder achieved a remarkable feat by scoring the fourth-fastest century in the history of ODI cricket. Notably, this century was the fastest-ever in a World Cup, as he reached the milestone in just 40 balls while aggressively taking on the Netherlands’ bowling attack at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

2. Aiden Markram (South Africa) – 49 balls (2023)

South Africa’s star middle-order batter Aiden Markram showcased his brilliant batting performance in a league match of the ODI World Cup 2023. He smashed the fastest-ever century by any batter in the grand event, reaching the milestone in just 49 balls against Sri Lanka. However, the record didn’t last long and was later broken by Maxwell.

3. Kevin O’Brien (Ireland) – 50 Balls (2011)

In one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, Kevin O’Brien of Ireland etched his name in the record books. Against England in 2011, he reached a century in just 50 balls, guiding his team to an improbable victory and leaving the cricketing world in disbelief.

4. Glenn Maxwell (Australia) – 51 Balls (2015)

Australian allrounder Glenn Maxwell, known for his audacious strokes and innovative batting, achieved his century in 51 balls against Sri Lanka during the 2015 World Cup. His aggressive approach redefined modern-day ODI batting.

5. AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 52 Balls (2015)

Former South Africa legend AB de Villiers set the cricketing world in awe of him during the 2015 World Cup. Facing the West Indies, he demolished the opposition’s bowling attack, reaching his century in just 52 balls. His incredible range of shots and remarkable timing made this innings a standout moment in World Cup history.