ODI World Cup History: The Cricket World Cup is one of the most prestigious events in the world of sports. It is a stage where cricketers from around the globe come together to compete for their respective nations leaving a lasting impact. Among the various records and achievements, one of the most sought-after feats is scoring a century in a single innings. In this article, we will look at some of the fastest centuries in the Cricket World Cup history.
List of fastest century hitters in World Cup History
Glenn Maxwell (Australia) – 40 Balls
Glenn Maxwell’s incredible hundred in the 2023 Cricket World Cup was one of the fastest World Cup centuries. It came against Netherlands, which is a testament to his explosive batting skills. Maxwell reached his century in just 40 balls, scoring a total of 106 runs from 44 balls. His innings helped Australia post a daunting total of 399 and eventually win the match convincingly.
Aiden Markram (South Africa) – 49 Balls
Aiden Markram’s incredible hundred in the 2023 Cricket World Cup was also one of the fastest World Cup centuries until Glen Maxwell hit a century in just 40 balls. Aiden Markram’s century came against Sri Lanka, which is a testament to his explosive batting skills. Aiden Markram reached his century in just 49 balls, scoring a total of 106 runs from 54 balls. His innings helped South Africa post a daunting total of 428 and eventually win the match convincingly.
Kevin O’Brien (Ireland) – 50 Balls
Kevin O’Brien’s remarkable century in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup remains one of the most iconic moments in the history of the tournament. Playing against England, Ireland was chasing a challenging target of 328. In an extraordinary innings, O’Brien managed to score a ton in just 50 balls, turning the game on its head. His innings of 113 off 63 balls, one of the fastest World Cup centuries, helped Ireland complete one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) – 51 Balls
Another Kiwi on this list, Brendon McCullum, lit up the 2015 World Cup with his explosive batting. In the opening match of the tournament against Sri Lanka, McCullum scored a century in just 51 balls. His whirlwind innings of 77 runs off 25 balls set the tone for a comprehensive New Zealand victory.
AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 52 Balls
AB de Villiers is known for his innovative and aggressive batting, and he showcased these qualities in the 2015 World Cup. Facing the West Indies, de Villiers reached his ton in 52 balls, ending with a spectacular 162 not out from 66 balls. South Africa’s total of 408/5 proved too much for the West Indies as they won the match comfortably.
Rohit Sharma (India) – 63 Balls
The 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup is dominated by India; sitting at the top of the table. Rohit Sharma hit a century in just 63 balls against Afghanistan. With a total score of 131 runs in 84 balls, India won the match very easily in just 35 overs.
Kushal Mendis ( Sri Lanka ) – 65 Balls
Kushal Mendis became the player to make the fastest century in Sri Lankan cricket history. Kushal made the century in just 65 balls. Kushal Mendis’s century came against Pakistan, which is a testament to his explosive batting skills.
Matthew Hayden (Australia) – 66 Balls
During the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, Matthew Hayden stood out with his remarkable century in World Cup history against South Africa in the semi-final. In a high-pressure match, Hayden’s 101 runs came off 68 balls, helping Australia secure a spot in the final. His innings played a pivotal role in Australia’s successful title defense.
End Note:
The fastest World Cup centuries are not only a reflection of the batter’s extraordinary talent but also their ability to cope under immense pressure.
These ten fastest centuries in World Cup history have left an indelible mark on the tournament’s legacy. They remind us of the thrilling moments, the incredible talent, and the top-most excitements around the world.
