Table of Contents
- 1) Glenn Maxwell (Australia): 40 balls vs the Netherlands – ODI World Cup 2023
- 2) Aiden Markram (South Africa): 49 balls vs Sri Lanka – ODI World Cup 2023
- 3) Kevin O’Brien (Ireland): 50 balls vs England – ODI World Cup 2011
- 4) Glenn Maxwell (Australia): 51 balls vs Sri Lanka – ODI World Cup 2015
- 5) AB de Villiers (South Africa): 52 balls vs West Indies – ODI World Cup 2015
The ICC Cricket World Cup represents the pinnacle of One Day International (ODI) cricket, serving as the stage where the world’s top teams come together to compete for the ultimate honour.
Over its rich and celebrated history, this prestigious tournament has witnessed some mesmerizing displays of batting prowess, where players have left an indelible mark on the cricketing annals by achieving electrifying centuries.
Let’s embark on a journey through history to explore the top five fastest centuries in the ODI World Cup history.
1) Glenn Maxwell (Australia): 40 balls vs the Netherlands – ODI World Cup 2023
During the ODI World Cup 2023 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, Glenn Maxwell etched his name in the annals of cricket history with a breathtaking display of power-hitting. He blazed his way to the fastest century ever recorded in the ODI World Cup in an extraordinary feat, achieving the milestone in a mere 40 balls. His remarkable performance stunned fans and cricket enthusiasts, making it a standout moment in the tournament’s rich history.
2) Aiden Markram (South Africa): 49 balls vs Sri Lanka – ODI World Cup 2023
Aiden Markram left an indelible mark on the world of cricket with his remarkable feat during the ODI World Cup 2023 clash against Sri Lanka at New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. His extraordinary display of batting masterclass saw him reach a century in just 49 balls. The right-handed batter showcased his exceptional skills and unwavering determination throughout his innings. The Centurion-born cricketer sent the world into a frenzy with 14 boundaries and three towering sixes, accumulating 106 runs from a mere 54 deliveries. This outstanding achievement solidified Markram’s reputation as one of the most explosive and talented modern-era batters.
3) Kevin O’Brien (Ireland): 50 balls vs England – ODI World Cup 2011
During the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, Kevin O’Brien etched a legendary innings into the hearts and minds of cricket enthusiasts. Challenged by England‘s imposing target of 328, O’Brien’s fearless and audacious stroke play propelled him to a century in a mere 50 balls, an extraordinary achievement that defied expectations. The iconic moment of unwavering determination and skill secured a historic triumph for Ireland. It stood a powerful testament to the indomitable spirit of underdogs in cricket, inspiring countless individuals to believe in the extraordinary.
4) Glenn Maxwell (Australia): 51 balls vs Sri Lanka – ODI World Cup 2015
Maxwell delivered a scintillating performance in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup that left cricket aficionados spellbound. Facing Sri Lanka, the right-handed batter displayed a remarkable feat by notching a century in just 51 balls during an unforgettable match, showcasing his explosive and dynamic batting prowess. His blend of aggression and style was a sight as he relentlessly took on the Sri Lankan bowlers. Maxwell’s century played a pivotal role in securing a resounding victory for Australia, underscoring his ability to sway the course of a game in the blink of an eye. This extraordinary innings cemented his status as one of the most thrilling and versatile talents in the realm of limited-overs cricket.
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5) AB de Villiers (South Africa): 52 balls vs West Indies – ODI World Cup 2015
During the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, South African cricketing icon AB de Villiers delivered a captivating performance that left the world in awe. In a match against the West Indies, the right-handed batter achieved a century in a mere 52 balls, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess and adaptability. The Pretoria-born cricketer scored 162 runs from just 66 deliveries, including impressive 17 fours and eight sixes. De Villiers’ ability to score rapidly and through various shots solidified his reputation as one of the global stage’s most dynamic and enthralling cricketers.
