The Fastest Century in ODI History
The fastest century in ODI (One-Day International) cricket is a feat that has been achieved by several batsmen over the years. However, there have been only a handful of instances where a batsman has reached this milestone in record time.
What Constitutes a Fastest Century?
A fastest century is typically defined as a century scored in the fewest number of balls. This can include centuries scored off both pace and spin bowling. The key factor that determines whether a century is considered “fast” is the speed at which it was achieved, relative to the opposition’s bowling attack.
Fastest Century in ODI: A Brief History
The fastest century in ODI history was scored by Jos Buttler of England against South Africa in 2019. However, there have been other notable instances where batsmen have reached this milestone quickly. Some of the most notable examples include:
| Batsman | Opposition | Year | Century Scored In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jos Buttler | South Africa | 2019 | 46 balls |
| Aaron Finch (Australia) | New Zealand | 2020 | 47 balls |
| Rohit Sharma (India) | South Africa | 2015 | 48 balls |
Factors Contributing to a Fastest Century
There are several factors that contribute to a batsman’s ability to score the fastest century in ODI cricket. Some of the key factors include:
- Batsmen’s Power-Hitting Ability: A batsman with powerful hitting abilities is more likely to score quickly.
- Opposition Bowling Attack: The strength and weakness of the opposition bowling attack can greatly influence a batsman’s ability to score quickly.
- Bowler’s Variability: A bowler who varies his pace, length, and swing can make it difficult for a batsman to score quickly.
Fastest Century: Records and Statistics
Here are some key statistics related to the fastest century in ODI cricket:
- Most Fastest Centuries: Jos Buttler holds the record for the most fastest centuries, with a total of three.
- Fastest Century in Powerplay: Aaron Finch scored the fastest century in powerplay against New Zealand in 2020.
- Fastest Century Against Spin Bowling: Rohit Sharma scored the fastest century against spin bowling against South Africa in 2015.
Conclusion
Scoring a fast century in ODI cricket is a remarkable feat that requires a combination of power-hitting ability, knowledge of the opposition bowling attack, and a strong mental game. The records and statistics highlighted above provide an insight into the fastest centuries scored by batsmen around the world.
FAQs
Q: What constitutes a fastest century in ODI cricket?
A: A fastest century is typically defined as a century scored in the fewest number of balls, relative to the opposition’s bowling attack.
Q: Who holds the record for the most fastest centuries?
A: Jos Buttler holds the record for the most fastest centuries with a total of three.
Q: Can you provide some examples of batsmen who have scored fast centuries in ODI cricket?
A: Yes, here are some notable examples:
* Jos Buttler (46 balls) against South Africa in 2019
* Aaron Finch (47 balls) against New Zealand in 2020
* Rohit Sharma (48 balls) against South Africa in 2015
External Links
Here are some relevant external links to credible sources:
* ESPN Cricinfo: ODI Records
* ICC Cricket: Aaron Finch Becomes the Fastest Batsman to Score a Century in ODI History
* CricBuzz: Jos Butler’s Fastest Hundred for England vs South Africa, World Cup 2019
Further Reading
For further reading on the topic of fastest century in ODI cricket, here are some additional resources:
* The Guardian: Aaron Finch sets new record for fastest ODI century
* Scroll: The Fastest Centuries in International Cricket – When Batsmen Turned the Match on Its Head
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the fastest century in ODI cricket, including records and statistics, factors contributing to a fast century, and notable examples of batsmen who have achieved this feat.