Top 11 Fastest ODI Centuries: Where Does Green Rank?

Hey cricket fans! Ever wondered about the fastest centuries in One Day International (ODI) history? It's a record book filled with explosive innings, showcasing incredible power-hitting and breathtaking speed. Recently, Cameron Green smashed a scintillating century in Mackay, leaving fans buzzing about where it ranks among the all-time greats. Let's dive into the thrilling world of fastest ODI centuries and see how Green's knock stacks up against the legends.

The Elite List: Top 11 Fastest ODI Centuries

This isn't just about scoring runs; it's about the sheer velocity of the innings, the ability to accelerate and reach the coveted three-figure mark in record time. These are the knocks that leave spectators in awe and bowlers in despair. We're talking about innings that can single-handedly change the course of a match, crushing opposition hopes and sending scoreboards into overdrive. So, buckle up as we explore the top 11 fastest ODI centuries ever recorded, reliving the magic and drama of each phenomenal feat. Prepare to be amazed by the sheer audacity and skill displayed by these cricketing maestros who redefined the art of aggressive batting.

1. AB de Villiers - 31 balls

At the pinnacle of this prestigious list sits the legendary AB de Villiers, the undisputed king of fastest ODI centuries. His breathtaking 31-ball hundred against the West Indies in 2015 is not just a record; it's a cricketing masterpiece, a symphony of destruction orchestrated with unparalleled elegance and power. De Villiers' innings was a whirlwind of boundaries, a relentless assault on the hapless West Indian bowlers who simply had no answer to his genius. The sheer audacity of his strokeplay, the effortless way he dispatched the ball to all parts of the ground, left the world in stunned admiration. This wasn't just about hitting sixes; it was about deconstructing an entire bowling attack with surgical precision and breathtaking improvisation. Guys, this innings is the gold standard for fastest ODI centuries, a benchmark that may never be surpassed. His ability to improvise and find gaps in the field was simply mesmerizing. The innings included a staggering 16 sixes and 9 fours, a testament to his incredible power and timing. To this day, cricket fans around the globe marvel at the sheer brilliance of this knock, a reminder of AB de Villiers' status as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. It’s a testament to his incredible hand-eye coordination, his ability to read the bowler's intentions, and his sheer power to clear the boundary at will. This record isn't just a number; it's a legend in itself, a testament to the brilliance of AB de Villiers.

2. Corey Anderson - 36 balls

Next up, we have Corey Anderson's blistering 36-ball century against the West Indies in 2014. While it might be five balls slower than De Villiers' record, don't let that fool you – this was an innings of raw power and brutal hitting. Anderson's knock was a whirlwind of boundaries, a display of sheer aggression that left the West Indian bowlers reeling. He smashed sixes with disdain and found the boundary ropes with remarkable consistency. It was an innings that announced Anderson's arrival on the international stage as a force to be reckoned with, a powerful left-hander capable of changing the game in the blink of an eye. This second-fastest ODI century is a testament to his incredible power-hitting ability and his fearless approach to the game. The innings was particularly memorable for the sheer ferocity of his hitting, a relentless onslaught that demoralized the opposition. Anderson's knock showcased his ability to clear the boundary with ease and his knack for finding the gaps in the field. Although his international career didn't reach the heights many predicted, this innings remains a highlight, a shining example of his immense potential and his ability to dominate an attack. It’s a reminder of the explosive talent that Corey Anderson possessed, a talent that, on its day, could dismantle any bowling attack in the world.

3. Shahid Afridi - 37 balls

Shahid Afridi, the Pakistani legend known for his explosive batting and charismatic personality, holds the third-fastest ODI century record with his 37-ball blitz against Sri Lanka in 1996. This was Afridi at his vintage best, a whirlwind of sixes and fours that left the Sri Lankan bowlers shell-shocked. The innings was a testament to Afridi's fearless approach, his willingness to take on any bowler, and his incredible hand-eye coordination. This knock cemented Afridi's reputation as one of the most dangerous and exciting batsmen in the world, a player capable of turning a match on its head in a matter of overs. Guys, this was an innings for the ages, a display of pure aggression and unadulterated entertainment. Afridi's knock included a staggering 11 sixes, a testament to his incredible power and his ability to clear the boundary with ease. This innings is not just about the speed of the century; it's about the impact it had on the game, the way it changed the momentum and propelled Pakistan to victory. Afridi's century was a statement, a declaration of his arrival as a global superstar, and it remains one of the most cherished memories for Pakistani cricket fans.

4. Liam Livingstone - 42 balls

Liam Livingstone smashed his way into the record books with a blistering 42-ball century against the Netherlands in 2022. This innings was a masterclass in modern-day power-hitting, a display of brute force and incredible timing that left the Dutch bowlers with nowhere to hide. Livingstone's knock was characterized by his fearless approach and his ability to clear the boundary with remarkable ease. He struck sixes with disdain, showcasing his incredible strength and his ability to generate immense power in his shots. This fourth-fastest ODI century is a testament to Livingstone's growing reputation as one of the most explosive batsmen in the game, a player capable of changing the course of a match in a matter of overs. The innings was a breathtaking spectacle, a reminder of the sheer power and excitement that Livingstone brings to the crease. He struck sixes all around the ground, demonstrating his ability to target different areas and exploit the weaknesses in the bowling attack. Livingstone's knock not only showcased his power-hitting prowess but also his ability to construct an innings, to assess the situation, and to accelerate at the opportune moment. It's a sign of things to come for this exciting cricketer, a player who has the potential to dominate the world stage.

5. Shahid Afridi - 45 balls

Boom Boom Afridi makes another appearance on this list, proving his consistency in smashing the ball across the park! His 45-ball century against India in 2005 was a special one, guys. Imagine the pressure, the rivalry, and then imagine just blowing away the opposition like that! This was Afridi at his fiery best, full of aggression and intent. Every shot was like a statement, and the Indian bowlers just couldn't find an answer. The crowd went wild, and it's one of those innings you just can't forget if you're a cricket fan. For Afridi to do it against India, that adds another layer of significance. It's one thing to score a fast hundred, but to do it against your biggest rivals? That's legendary stuff! His second entry on the list solidifies his place as one of the most destructive batsmen in ODI history. This innings, filled with audacious shots and towering sixes, was a treat for the fans and a nightmare for the Indian bowlers. Afridi's ability to perform under pressure, especially in high-stakes matches like this, is what sets him apart. This century is a testament to his aggressive batting style and his knack for seizing the moment.

6. Kevin O'Brien - 50 balls

The year was 2011, the stage was the World Cup, and Kevin O'Brien played the innings of his life against England. His 50-ball century is the fastest in World Cup history, and it was an absolute spectacle! Ireland were chasing a big total, and things looked bleak, but O'Brien came in and just changed everything. He was hitting sixes that were going out of the stadium, and the English bowlers were just stunned. It wasn't just the speed of the hundred; it was the context, the importance of the match, and the sheer audacity of the innings. This knock isn't just a record; it's a symbol of Irish cricket's spirit and determination. O'Brien's innings inspired a generation of cricketers in Ireland and showed the world that anything is possible in cricket. This is the kind of knock that legends are made of. The sheer drama and excitement of the match, combined with O'Brien's incredible hitting, make this one of the most memorable centuries in ODI history. It's a story of an underdog rising to the occasion and delivering a performance that will be talked about for generations to come.

7. Glenn Maxwell - 51 balls

Glenn Maxwell, the Aussie showman, blasted a 51-ball century against Sri Lanka in the 2015 World Cup. This was vintage Maxwell, full of innovative shots and powerful hitting. He was reverse-sweeping sixes, scooping balls over the keeper, and generally making life miserable for the Sri Lankan bowlers. Maxwell's innings was a blend of power and improvisation, and it showcased his incredible versatility as a batsman. This is what we expect from 'The Big Show' – pure entertainment and match-winning performances! His ability to change gears and accelerate at will makes him a dangerous player in any format of the game. This seventh-fastest ODI century highlighted his ability to dominate an attack and score quickly under pressure. Maxwell's knock was a crucial one for Australia in their quest for the World Cup title, and it demonstrated his importance to the team. The sheer audacity of his strokeplay and his ability to find the boundary with regularity make him one of the most exciting batsmen to watch in the world today.

8. Jos Buttler - 52 balls

Jos Buttler, the master of the modern-day 'ramp' shot, etched his name in the record books with a 52-ball century against Pakistan in 2015. This innings was a display of clean hitting and incredible timing. Buttler was finding the gaps with ease, and his sixes were soaring into the stands. He has this amazing ability to stay calm under pressure and just accelerate when the team needs it. His 52-ball ton showcased his ability to finish innings strongly and his importance in England's batting lineup. Buttler's knock was a crucial one for England, helping them to post a formidable total. He has consistently shown his class in ODI cricket, and this century is further proof of his ability to dominate an attack. Buttler's innings is a testament to his incredible talent and his importance to the England team.

9. Sanath Jayasuriya - 55 balls

The legendary Sanath Jayasuriya makes the list with his 55-ball century against Pakistan in 1996. This innings was a whirlwind of aggression, guys! Jayasuriya was known for his attacking style, and he just took the Pakistani bowlers apart on this day. He was hitting boundaries all over the ground, and the crowd was going crazy. This was Jayasuriya in his prime, smashing the ball to all parts of the ground with incredible power and precision. He was a game-changer, and this innings is a perfect example of his impact on ODI cricket. His fearless approach at the top of the order revolutionized ODI batting. This ninth-fastest century is a testament to his aggressive mindset and his ability to single-handedly win matches for Sri Lanka. Jayasuriya's knock is a reminder of his immense talent and his legacy as one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time.

10. John Davison - 57 balls

John Davison's 57-ball century for Canada against West Indies in the 2003 World Cup is a story of an underdog performance that will be remembered for a long time. Davison, playing for a non-Test-playing nation, took on the might of the West Indies and delivered an incredible innings. This was a David vs Goliath story, and Davison played the role of David to perfection. This century is not just about the speed; it's about the context, the opposition, and the sheer unexpectedness of it. It's a moment that brought joy to Canadian cricket fans and showed the world that Associate nations can produce world-class performances. His tenth-fastest century was a beacon of hope for Associate nations, proving that they can compete with the best in the world. Davison's knock is a testament to his talent and his determination, and it remains one of the most memorable moments in World Cup history. It's a story of an individual rising to the occasion and delivering a performance that defied expectations.

11. Cameron Green - 57 balls

And now, we arrive at the innings that sparked this whole discussion: Cameron Green's explosive 57-ball century! This was a breathtaking display of power-hitting, guys. Green, known for his all-around abilities, showed his immense potential with the bat, smashing the ball to all parts of the ground. This innings was a statement, a sign that Green is ready to take on the world's best bowlers and become a dominant force in ODI cricket. It's an exciting prospect for Australian cricket fans, and it adds another dimension to their already strong batting lineup. Green’s knock was filled with powerful strokes and calculated aggression, placing him alongside some of the biggest names in cricket history. This eleventh-fastest ODI century is a testament to his talent and his potential to become a future star. His innings showed a maturity beyond his years, combining aggression with intelligent strokeplay. Green’s century is a sign of great things to come, and it’s exciting to see where his career will take him.

Where Does Green's Innings Rank?

So, where does Cameron Green's Mackay mayhem rank among these incredible feats of batting brilliance? His 57-ball century puts him in joint 10th position, sharing the spot with John Davison. While it might not be the fastest, it's still an incredible achievement, placing him in the company of legends like Shahid Afridi, Sanath Jayasuriya, and the record-holder, AB de Villiers. More importantly, it's a sign of things to come from the young Australian, a glimpse of his immense potential and his ability to dominate in the ODI format. This innings will undoubtedly give him a huge boost of confidence, and it will be exciting to see how he builds on this performance in the future. For Green, this is just the beginning, a foundation upon which he can build a long and successful ODI career. His ability to combine power with timing makes him a dangerous batsman, and this century is a clear indication of his potential to become a world-class player. This knock not only adds his name to this prestigious list but also sets the stage for what could be a remarkable journey in international cricket.

The Thrill of the Chase: What Makes a Fast Century Special?

Guys, what makes these fastest ODI centuries so special? It's not just about the numbers; it's about the audacity, the skill, and the sheer thrill of watching a batsman dominate an attack in such a short space of time. These innings are game-changers, capable of shifting the momentum in an instant and crushing the opposition's spirits. They're a testament to the power of aggressive batting, the ability to seize the moment, and the courage to take risks. A fast century is a spectacle, a celebration of the beauty and excitement of cricket. It's a reminder that in this game, anything is possible, and that one incredible innings can change everything. These knocks aren't just about individual brilliance; they're about inspiring teammates and captivating fans. They create memories that last a lifetime and become part of the folklore of the game. The fastest centuries often come in crucial situations, adding to the pressure and making the achievement even more remarkable. These innings are a blend of skill, power, and mental fortitude, a demonstration of what a batsman can achieve when everything clicks.

So, there you have it – a journey through the top 11 fastest ODI centuries in history, a celebration of the incredible feats of batting prowess. Cameron Green's innings in Mackay is a worthy addition to this list, and it's exciting to think about what the future holds for this talented young cricketer. Keep watching, guys, because in the world of cricket, you never know when the next record-breaking innings is just around the corner!