Fastest Centuries Cricket has always been known as a game of patience, temperament, and technique. However, in the modern era, the art of power hitting has completely redefined the sport. Where once a century in 100 balls was considered brilliant, today players are racing to reach the milestone in half that time. Thanks to T20 cricket and aggressive batting styles, centuries in less than 40 balls have become part of cricket’s evolving narrative.
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In this article, we look at the Top 10 Fastest Centuries in Cricket History across formats — ODIs, T20 Internationals, the IPL, and List A cricket. These incredible knocks not only set records but also changed the way cricket is played.
1. AB de Villiers – 31 Balls (ODI, 2015)
When people discuss the fastest century in ODIs, the first name that comes to mind is AB de Villiers. Against the West Indies in Johannesburg in 2015, he smashed a 31-ball century that left the cricketing world stunned.
- Scored 149 runs off just 44 balls.
- Hit 16 sixes and 9 fours.
- Holds the record for the fastest ODI century in history.
This innings is often considered the greatest display of destructive batting in international cricket Fastest Centuries.
2. Sahil Chauhan – 27 Balls (T20I, 2024)
In 2024, Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan made history by scoring the fastest T20I century in just 27 balls against Cyprus.
- Surpassed previous records held by established names.
- Showed how cricket is growing beyond traditional nations.
- His innings redefined expectations in associate cricket.
Chauhan’s record is a testament to how T20 cricket has democratized power-hitting Fastest Centuries.
3. Chris Gayle – 30 Balls (IPL, 2013)
The Universe Boss, Chris Gayle, owns the fastest IPL century — just 30 balls for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors India in 2013.
- Scored 175* (the highest ever T20 score).
- Hit 17 sixes and 13 fours.
- Single-handedly destroyed the opposition.
This knock is not only the fastest IPL century but arguably the most iconic T20 innings ever Fastest Centuries.
4. Corey Anderson – 36 Balls (ODI, 2014)
Before AB de Villiers’ 31-ball rampage, New Zealand’s Corey Anderson held the record for the fastest ODI century with 36 balls against the West Indies in 2014.
- Finished with 131* off 47 balls.
- Hit 14 sixes in his innings.
- His knock highlighted the growing influence of T20 on ODI cricket Fastest Centuries.
5. Shahid Afridi – 37 Balls (ODI, 1996)
Long before T20 cricket even existed, Shahid Afridi stunned the world in 1996 by smashing a 37-ball century against Sri Lanka in Nairobi Fastest Centuries.
- Scored 102 runs in just 40 balls.
- Hit 11 sixes and 6 fours.
- The record stood for 18 years.
Afridi’s innings was way ahead of its time and established him as cricket’s first true power-hitter.
6. Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton – 33 Balls (T20I, 2024)
Namibia’s Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton joined the record books by scoring a century in just 33 balls against Nepal in 2024.
- The fastest T20I century before Sahil Chauhan broke it.
- Showcased the rise of associate nations in international cricket.
- Helped Namibia gain recognition on the global stage Fastest Centuries.
7. Kushal Malla – 34 Balls (T20I, 2023)
Nepal’s Kushal Malla stunned the cricketing world in the Asian Games 2023 when he scored a T20I century in 34 balls against Mongolia Fastest Centuries.
- Scored 137* off 50 balls.
- Hit 12 sixes and 8 fours.
- Put Nepal firmly on the cricketing map.
This innings remains one of the most remarkable moments in associate cricket.
8. Vaibhav Suryavanshi – 35 Balls (IPL, 2025)
A new name in IPL history, Vaibhav Suryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals, smashed a 35-ball century against the Gujarat Titans in 2025.
- One of the fastest ever in IPL history.
- Marked the arrival of a new Indian power-hitter.
- Compared with legends like Gayle and AB de Villiers.
This knock showed how young Indian talent is shaping modern IPL cricket Fastest Centuries.
9. Anmolpreet Singh – 35 Balls (List A, India)
Indian domestic cricketer Anmolpreet Singh entered the record books by scoring a 35-ball century in List A cricket.
- Displayed fearless batting at the domestic level.
- A reminder that India’s talent pool runs deep.
- Highlighted how aggressive batting has influenced even List A games Fastest Centuries.
10. AB de Villiers – 43 Balls (IPL, 2015)
AB de Villiers features yet again, this time in the IPL. His 43-ball century for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Gujarat Lions in 2015 remains one of the tournament’s greatest knocks Fastest Centuries.
- Shared a record 200+ partnership with Virat Kohli.
- Played both innovative and classical shots.
- Proved why he is called “Mr. 360.”
The fastest centuries in cricket history are not just statistics — they are moments that inspire fans, redefine records, and change the way the game is played. With T20 cricket continuing to push boundaries, it won’t be long before we see a century in 20 balls or less.
FAQ – Fastest Centuries in Cricket!!
Q1: Who holds the record for the fastest century in ODIs?
A: AB de Villiers scored a 31-ball century against West Indies in 2015, the fastest ODI hundred.
Q2: Who has the fastest T20I century?
A: Sahil Chauhan (Estonia) scored a 27-ball hundred against Cyprus in 2024.
Q3: Which player scored the fastest century in IPL history?
A: Chris Gayle holds the record with a 30-ball century in 2013.
Q4: Who is the fastest Indian to score a century in IPL?
A: Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored a 35-ball century in IPL 2025 for Rajasthan Royals.