In the high-octane world of One Day Internationals (ODIs), few moments captivate audiences like a rapid-fire century. The Cricket World Cup, the sport’s grandest stage, has witnessed some of the most electrifying batting performances in history. Among them, the fastest centuries stand out—not just for the runs scored, but for the sheer audacity, timing, and pressure-defying brilliance of the batters involved.
Here’s a deep dive into the fastest hundreds in World Cup history, the players who achieved them, and how those knocks shaped iconic moments in the tournament’s legacy.
1. Aiden Markram – 49 Balls vs Sri Lanka (2023)
In the 2023 ICC World Cup, South African batter Aiden Markram etched his name into the record books by smashing the fastest-ever World Cup century in just 49 balls against Sri Lanka at Delhi. It was a masterclass of clean hitting, timing, and calculated aggression.
Markram’s innings featured a barrage of boundaries and sixes, showcasing his ability to dominate both pace and spin. His knock propelled South Africa to 428/5, the highest team total in World Cup history at the time.
Key Stats:
- 100 in 49 balls
- Strike rate: Over 200
- Match Result: South Africa won by 102 runs
2. Kevin O’Brien – 50 Balls vs England (2011)
Perhaps one of the most unexpected and thrilling centuries ever seen in World Cup history, Kevin O’Brien’s 50-ball ton for Ireland against England in 2011 remains a fan-favorite moment.
Chasing a mammoth 328, Ireland were down and out at 111/5. O’Brien walked in and turned the game on its head. His powerful strokes and fearless approach led Ireland to a historic win—the highest successful run chase in World Cup history.
Key Stats:
- 113 off 63 balls
- Fastest century at the time
- Match Result: Ireland won by 3 wickets
3. Glenn Maxwell – 51 Balls vs Sri Lanka (2015)
Australia’s Glenn Maxwell is known for his unconventional yet effective strokeplay. In the 2015 edition, he hammered a brutal century in 51 balls against Sri Lanka at Sydney.
His assault featured an array of reverse sweeps, switch hits, and flat-batted sixes. Maxwell’s innings helped Australia post a mammoth total, solidifying their position as tournament favorites.
Key Stats:
- 102 off 53 balls
- SR: 192.45
- Match Result: Australia won by 64 runs
4. AB de Villiers – 52 Balls vs West Indies (2015)
No list of aggressive batting is complete without AB de Villiers, the master of innovation. In 2015, he tormented the West Indies with an awe-inspiring century off just 52 balls.
He finished with 162* off 66 balls, an innings laced with 17 fours and 8 sixes. The West Indian bowlers had no answers as ABD played shots to every corner of the park.
Key Stats:
- Fastest 150 in ODIs
- 100 in 52 balls
- Match Result: South Africa won by 257 runs
5. Matthew Hayden – 66 Balls vs South Africa (2007)
Back in the 2007 World Cup, Matthew Hayden laid the groundwork for aggressive top-order play. His 66-ball century against South Africa was the fastest of the tournament and came at a time when such innings were rare in ODIs.
Hayden’s knock combined brute strength with exceptional timing, dominating one of the strongest bowling line-ups of the time.
Key Stats:
- 101 off 68 balls
- Included 14 boundaries and 4 sixes
- Match Result: Australia won by 83 runs
Honorable Mentions
- Paul Stirling (Ireland) – 70-ball century vs Netherlands (2011)
- Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – 80-ball century vs Canada (2011)
- Chris Gayle (West Indies) – Double century vs Zimbabwe (2015), reached hundred in 105 balls but accelerated to finish with 215
The Changing Face of World Cup Batting
These innings reflect how ODI cricket, especially in World Cups, has evolved from patient accumulation to explosive aggression. With flatter pitches, improved bats, and more fitness-driven power-hitters, we can expect even faster hundreds in future editions.
Batsmen now understand the value of strike rate, especially in the middle overs, and aren’t afraid to take on bowlers from the first ball. The World Cup, being the most-watched cricketing event globally, has become the perfect platform for such fearless cricket.
Conclusion
From Kevin O’Brien’s miracle in 2011 to Markram’s dominance in 2023, the fastest hundreds in World Cup history are more than just statistical milestones—they are moments that have inspired nations, broken records, and redefined ODI cricket.
As the game continues to evolve, one can only wonder who will be the next batter to break the 49-ball record. Until then, these legendary knocks remain timeless tales of World Cup greatness.
