In cricket, scoring a century is always special, but doing it at lightning speed turns it into pure spectacle. The fastest centuries in international cricket showcase the rare ability to combine skill, timing, and raw power in one explosive performance. These are innings that leave bowlers helpless, fans on their feet, and record books rewritten.
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From AB de Villiers’ jaw-dropping 31-ball hundred to Brendon McCullum’s blazing Test ton, the history of cricket is filled with moments when batters unleashed chaos on the opposition on Fastest Centuries.
In this article, we look at the Top 10 Fastest Centuries in International Cricket History, covering ODIs, T20Is, and Tests, with details on the match situation, opposition, and how each record was achieved in Fastest Centuries.
1. AB de Villiers – 31 Balls (ODI)
- Opponent: West Indies
- Year: 2015
- Venue: Johannesburg, South Africa
The king of innovation, AB de Villiers, broke the cricketing world in January 2015 with the fastest century in ODI history. Coming in with just over 11 overs left, he unleashed a whirlwind innings of 149 off 44 balls. He reached his hundred in just 31 balls, smashing 16 sixes and 9 fours.
This was not just power-hitting — it was a calculated massacre. De Villiers used the 360-degree range like no other, scooping, flicking, and lofting the ball to all corners. South Africa piled up 439/2, and West Indies never recovered in Fastest Centuries.
2. Corey Anderson – 36 Balls (ODI)
- Opponent: West Indies
- Year: 2014
- Venue: Queenstown, New Zealand
Before AB de Villiers, Corey Anderson held the ODI record for the fastest century. On New Year’s Day 2014, Anderson destroyed the West Indies attack with a brutal 100 off just 36 balls. He ended with 131 off 47 balls*, including 14 sixes.
The innings came in a rain-shortened 21-over match, which allowed Anderson to attack from ball one. Every delivery that wasn’t perfect was dispatched into the crowd, making it one of the most memorable knocks in modern cricket in Fastest Centuries.
3. Shahid Afridi – 37 Balls (ODI)
- Opponent: Sri Lanka
- Year: 1996
- Venue: Nairobi, Kenya
At just 16 years old, Shahid Afridi announced himself to the world with a whirlwind 37-ball century. Batting at number three, Afridi’s fearless approach stunned everyone. He hit 11 sixes and 6 fours, scoring 102 runs in boundaries alone.
This innings transformed Afridi into one of cricket’s most dangerous pinch-hitters and set the tone for his career. The fact that such hitting came in the 90s makes it even more remarkable in Fastest Centuries.
4. Mark Boucher – 44 Balls (ODI)
- Opponent: Zimbabwe
- Year: 2006
- Venue: Potchefstroom, South Africa
Wicketkeeper-batsman Mark Boucher played a forgotten gem of an innings, smashing a 44-ball hundred against Zimbabwe. His 147* came with 10 sixes and 8 fours, as South Africa posted a massive total.
Boucher’s knock was overshadowed by other big records, but in terms of clean hitting and placement, it was one of the finest counter-attacks ever seen in ODI cricket in Fastest Centuries.
5. Brian Lara – 45 Balls (Test)
- Opponent: Pakistan
- Year: 2006
- Venue: Multan, Pakistan
While Lara is known for his long, patient knocks, he showed his aggressive side in 2006 by smashing the fastest Test century for West Indies. He reached his ton in just 45 balls, taking on Pakistan’s spinners with fearless aggression.
It was proof that even in the longest format, Lara had the ability to switch gears and dominate.
6. Jesse Ryder – 46 Balls (ODI)
- Opponent: West Indies
- Year: 2014
- Venue: Queenstown, New Zealand
In the same match where Corey Anderson broke records, Jesse Ryder scored a blistering 104 off 51 balls. His century came in just 46 balls, filled with powerful cover drives and pulls.
Ryder’s innings was a reminder of his natural talent and aggressive batting style, which unfortunately was seen only in flashes during his international career.
7. Brendon McCullum – 54 Balls (Test)
- Opponent: Australia
- Year: 2016
- Venue: Christchurch, New Zealand
In his final Test innings, Brendon McCullum smashed the fastest century in Test history, reaching the milestone in just 54 balls. He hit 21 fours and 6 sixes in his 145-run blitz.
McCullum’s fearless approach defined his career, and he signed off in style, giving fans a farewell they would never forget.
8. Kevin O’Brien – 50 Balls (ODI)
- Opponent: England
- Year: 2011 World Cup
- Venue: Bengaluru, India
Kevin O’Brien produced one of the greatest World Cup upsets when he scored a 50-ball hundred against England. Chasing 328, Ireland were struggling before O’Brien’s counter-attack changed everything.
His innings of 113 off 63 balls remains the fastest World Cup century and is a historic moment for Irish cricket.
9. David Miller – 35 Balls (T20I)
- Opponent: Bangladesh
- Year: 2017
- Venue: Potchefstroom, South Africa
In T20 internationals, David Miller holds the record for the fastest century, reaching it in just 35 balls. His unbeaten 101 off 36 balls was pure muscle power, featuring 9 sixes.
Miller’s famous quote, “If it’s in the arc, it’s out of the park,” was fully on display as he dismantled the Bangladeshi bowlers.
10. Brendon McCullum – 51 Balls (ODI)
- Opponent: Canada
- Year: 2015 World Cup
- Venue: Napier, New Zealand
McCullum also holds the record for one of the fastest World Cup centuries in ODIs, reaching the mark in 51 balls against Canada. He scored 101 with ease, setting the tone for New Zealand’s World Cup campaign.
Why These Knocks Stand Out
The fastest centuries in cricket aren’t just about hitting boundaries; they’re about taking control of the game, putting pressure on bowlers, and lifting team morale. Each of these innings was a combination of clean hitting, fearless mindset, and the ability to read the game situation perfectly.
