A standout performance featuring a memorable century remains etched in the spectator’s memories for years. The charisma of scoring a century boosts when a player not only achieves the milestone but also carves their name into the record books.
Scoring a century in the One Day International format is a significant accomplishment for batters. It requires considerable effort and patience to reach the three-digit milestone.
In this article, we will explore the top 5 instances when we witnessed the fastest century in ODI cricket by an Indian batter.
Fastest Century in ODI by Indian
The top 5 batters who achieved this feat in the ODI format are:
| Batter | Versus | Balls | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | Australia | 52 | 2013 |
| Virender Sehwag | New Zealand | 60 | 2009 |
| Virat Kohli | Australia | 61 | 2013 |
| Mohammad Azharuddin | New Zealand | 62 | 1988 |
| Yuvraj Singh | England | 64 | 2008 |
1. Virat Kohli
In the domain of ODI cricket records, the legendary batter Virat Kohli consistently finds a place in the record books. In 2013, against Australia in Jaipur, King Kohli registered the fastest century in One Day Internationals.
Batting first, Australia set a total of 359/5 in their first innings. In response, Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma unleashed a relentless assault on the Australian bowlers. The duo formed a stunning partnership, amassing 176 runs for the first wicket.
Virat Kohli then entered the ground after the dismissal of Dhawan. He dominated the game and achieved a century in just 52 balls. The chase master finished with an unbeaten 100 that included 8 fours and 7 sixes. India successfully chased down the massive target of 362 with 39 balls to spare and secured the victory with 9 wickets in hand.
2. Virender Sehwag
In 2009, Virender Sehwag broke Mohammad Azharuddin’s 21-year-old record for the fastest century in ODI by an Indian batter. This feat took place during a match against New Zealand in 2009. New Zealand set the stage by batting first and posting a score of 270 in the first innings.
In response, India’s openers forged an unbeaten 201-run partnership in just 23.3 overs. Gautam Gambhir contributed 63 off 67 deliveries. On the other hand, Virender Sehwag showcased exceptional batting skills by reaching a century in just 60 balls.
Sehwag remained unbeaten on 125 off 74 deliveries, featuring 14 fours and 6 sixes when rain interrupted play. India was ahead on the board by 84 runs and secured the victory by the DLS method.
3. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli consistently demonstrates exceptional performance against Australia. It was evident in October 2013 when India exhibited an outstanding batting display. Australia set a challenging total of 350/6 in their first innings. In the chase, India had a strong start, with Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan combining for a 178-run partnership for the first wicket.
Although Dhawan reached his century, it was Virat Kohli who stole the show by smashing a 61-ball century. He remained unbeaten with a score of 115 off 66, including 18 fours and a six. It led India to successfully chasing down the massive target of 351 in 49.3 overs.
4. Mohammad Azharuddin
During a match against New Zealand in December 1988, Mohammad Azharuddin achieved India’s fourth-fastest century in ODI cricket. This innings held the record as the fastest century in ODI by Indian for nearly two decades. Batting first, New Zealand set a substantial total of 278 in their 50 overs.
Despite losing the first three wickets with just 50 runs on the board, Azharuddin played a match-winning innings. The former captain blazed a 62-ball century, remaining unbeaten with a total of 108 off 65 balls. His innings included 10 fours and 3 sixes. He took India to 282/8 and helped them secure a thrilling victory by 2 wickets.
5. Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh is one of the most sensational and aggressive players that India has ever produced. Yuvraj’s skills and expertise in T20 cricket extend to ODIs, where he smashed the fifth-fastest century in One Day Internationals for India.
This remarkable century came in 2008 against England. Yuvraj Singh hammered a 64-ball century, finishing with an unbeaten 138 off 78 balls. The innings featured 16 fours and 6 maximums.
His incredible innings played a significant role as India posted a commanding total of 387. India dismissed England for 229 runs, securing a victory by 158 runs. Yuvraj Singh was declared the Player of the Match for this magnificent innings.
Summary
The Indian batters have left their mark in international cricket by amassing incredible records. The sensation of the team India, Virat Kohli, has the record of the fastest century in ODI by an Indian batter. He achieved this mark against Australia off just 52 balls. He has also scored the third-fastest ton against the same team off 61 balls.
The veteran opener, Sehwag, smashed the century in 60 deliveries, while the former captain Mohammad Azharuddin achieved this feat off just 62 balls. Yuvraj Singh scored the 64-ball hundred against England. Among these top 5 centuries, 4 of the tons came while chasing.
