Fastest Hundred in Cricket History

Cricket has witnessed some explosive innings over the years, but only a few batters have etched their names in history by scoring the fastest century ever. These remarkable feats aren’t just about power-hitting but also about timing, confidence, and sheer dominance over bowlers. Let’s explore the players who rewrote the record books with the quickest hundreds in international cricket history.

What Is a Fastest Hundred in Cricket?

In cricket, a fastest hundred refers to scoring 100 runs in the least number of balls faced during a match. This metric is a benchmark for power-hitters and an important indicator of game-changing innings.

🥇 Fastest 100 in Cricket History (International)

Here are the top 5 fastest hundreds across formats in official international matches:

1. AB de Villiers – 31 Balls (ODI)

• Match: South Africa vs West Indies, 2015
• Format: One Day International
• Venue: Johannesburg
• Highlights:
  • 149 runs in just 44 balls
  • 16 sixes, 9 fours
  • Broke both the fastest 50 (16 balls) and 100 (31 balls) records
  • A truly unforgettable innings

2. David Miller – 35 Balls (ODI)

• Match: South Africa vs Bangladesh, 2017
• Venue: Potchefstroom
• Highlights:
  • Reached his century in just 35 balls
  • Finished with 101* off 36 balls
  • Blistering pace and clean hitting

3. Rohit Sharma – 35 Balls (T20I)

• Match: India vs Sri Lanka, 2017
• Format: T20 International
• Highlights:
  • Scored 118 runs in 43 balls
  • Equaled the fastest T20I hundred at the time
  • Dominated with 10 sixes

4. Chris Gayle – 30 Balls (T20 League – IPL)

• Match: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Pune Warriors, 2013
• Format: IPL
• Highlights:
  • Scored 175* off 66 balls
  • Fastest hundred in any recognized T20 match (30 balls)
  • Includes 17 sixes

While Gayle’s innings wasn’t in an international match, it remains the fastest century in professional cricket history.

5. Brian Lara – 45 Balls (Test Century)

• Match: West Indies vs Australia, 2006
• Format: Test Cricket
• Venue: Adelaide Oval
• Note: Although Test hundreds are typically slower, Lara’s aggressive approach made history.

💥 Fastest Hundreds by Format

Let’s break it down further by cricket format:

✅ Fastest 100 in ODI

• AB de Villiers (31 balls)
  Unbeatable power and innovation.

✅ Fastest 100 in T20I

• Kushal Malla (34 balls) – Nepal vs Mongolia, 2023
  Surpassed Rohit Sharma and David Miller.
  A new rising star from Associate cricket!

✅ Fastest 100 in Test Cricket

• Brendon McCullum (54 balls) – New Zealand vs Australia, 2016
  The official record for fastest Test hundred in international matches.

🌍 Fastest 100 in T20 Leagues

Some league records are even faster than international ones:

Player	Balls Taken	Team	League	Opponent
Chris Gayle	30	RCB	IPL 2013	Pune Warriors
Rishabh Pant	32	Delhi	SMAT	Himachal Pradesh
Yusuf Pathan	37	Rajasthan	IPL	Mumbai Indians

🧠 Fun Fact: Is It Humanly Possible to Score a Century in Fewer Than 30 Balls?

Theoretically, yes. If a batsman hits every ball for six, 17 balls are enough to score a 100.
But in real cricket, the best so far is Chris Gayle’s 30-ball 100 in franchise cricket and de Villiers’ 31-ball 100 in ODIs.

📈 Why Is the Fastest 100 Such a Big Deal?

• Entertainment Value: Keeps fans glued to the screen
• Match-Winning Impact: Turns the tide instantly
• Legacy Marker: Players with such records are remembered forever
• Strategic Mastery: Demonstrates control, precision, and fearlessness

Related Reads

Want to explore more thrilling records?

• Fastest 50 in Test Cricket
• Six Ball Six Sixes Record List
• Top 10 Handsome Cricketers in the World
• Who Is the Father of Cricket?

📊 FAQs About Fastest 100 in Cricket

📌 Conclusion

The record for the fastest hundred in cricket history isn’t just a statistic—it’s a moment that defines greatness. Whether it’s AB de Villiers’ sheer genius or Chris Gayle’s raw power, these innings remind us why cricket is called a gentleman’s game with a beastly twist.