Who Has The Fastest Century In ICC ODI World Cup History?

Cricket enthusiasts across the globe are gearing up for the much-anticipated quadrennial ICC ODI World Cup, a tournament that has captivated the hearts of fans for over five decades. With a rich history and only six teams ever clinching the coveted title, the 2023 World Cup promises to deliver another thrilling showdown as ten of the world's top cricketing nations prepare to battle it out.

The ICC World Cup, following the One-Day International (ODI) format with its two 50-over innings, is a spectacle that provides a day's worth of cricketing entertainment. The ODI format, combined with the high stakes of the World Cup, often results in matches that are nothing short of thrilling, catering to fans of all tastes.

While centuries are a common sight in the World Cup, achieving a quick century in this prestigious tournament is a rare feat. Scoring a hundred in the ODI format, particularly in the high-pressure environment of the World Cup, can be an immense challenge. However, there are those exceptional players who thrive under such pressure, rising to the occasion with their explosive batting skills.

Who Has The Fastest Century In ICC ODI World Cup History?

Kevin O'Brien from Ireland achieved the remarkable feat of scoring the fastest century in cricket history, accomplishing this feat in just 50 balls. Similarly, in the 1992 Cricket World Cup, Andy Flower from Zimbabwe made his One Day International (ODI) debut and impressed everyone by scoring a century during the tournament.

Among the elite club of cricketers who have notched up the fastest centuries in ICC Cricket World Cup history, the following stand out:

Here's a table summarizing the top 5 fastest centuries in ICC Cricket World Cup history

Rank	Player	Total Runs	Opposition	Balls	Date
1	Kevin O'Brien (Ire)	113	England	50	02 Mar 2011
2	Glenn Maxwell (Aus)	102	Sri Lanka	51	08 Mar 2015
3	AB de Villiers (SA)	162*	West Indies	52	27 Feb 2015
4	Eoin Morgan (Eng)	101	Afghanistan	57	18 Jun 2019
5	Mathew Hayden (Aus)	111	South Africa	66	24 Mar 2007

1. Kevin O'Brien (Ireland): In a historic and memorable moment for Irish cricket, Kevin O'Brien played a pivotal role in Ireland's stunning upset of England during the 2011 World Cup, which was ultimately won by India. Batting at number 6, O'Brien showcased his incredible batting prowess by amassing 113 runs in just 50 balls. This remarkable century came while chasing England's mammoth target of 328. Ireland triumphed with five balls to spare and three wickets in hand, etching Kevin O'Brien's name in the annals of cricket history.
2. Glenn Maxwell (Australia): Glenn Maxwell is a name that instills fear in bowlers around the world. Known for his aggressive batting and unpredictability, this Aussie powerhouse exhibited his striking prowess during the 2015 World Cup, where he smashed a century in a mere 51 balls.
3. AB de Villiers (South Africa): AB de Villiers, often hailed as one of the most exciting cricketers ever, lived up to his reputation in style. The South African phenom was renowned for his unconventional strokes and explosive batting. De Villiers not only holds the record for the fastest hundred in cricket but also ranks third for the fastest century in World Cup history. In the 2015 edition of the tournament, he blazed his way to a century in just 52 balls, finishing unbeaten with a staggering total of 162 runs.

These exceptional performances showcase the remarkable talent and nerve-wracking excitement that the ICC ODI World Cup consistently delivers. As we approach the 2023 World Cup, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing more historic moments and breathtaking centuries that add to the tournament's glorious legacy.

In conclusion, the ICC ODI World Cup is not only a cricketing spectacle but also a stage where legends are born and records are shattered. The fast centuries by Kevin O'Brien, Glenn Maxwell, and AB de Villiers will forever be etched in the minds of cricket enthusiasts as testaments to the electrifying nature of this prestigious tournament. As cricket fans count down the days to the 2023 World Cup, they can only hope for more fireworks and breathtaking centuries that make this tournament the crown jewel of the cricketing world.

Also Read: How to Buy Tickets for the World Cup 2023?

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