Fastest 100 in All Formats: Top 10 Super Fastest Centuries in Cricket History
There have been some unbelievable batting performances in Cricket, but as most of the fans would agree that nothing gets them more excited than a scintillating hundred at great pace from any batter. The Fastest 100 in All Formats showcase the most explosive knocks ever witnessed in Test matches, ODIs and T20 Internationals (T20Is).
It is one of the largest accomplishments in cricket to be able to score a century. But doing it in less than 60 balls needs sheer might, timing, arrogance and fearless intent. These innings have one common aspect, they completely broke the barriers of what was seen as aggression – the iconic 31-ball ODI hundred from AB de Villiers; the record-breaking Test century from Brendon McCullum; and Kushal Malla’s incredible T20I hundred.
In this article we will take you through the fastest centuries in commercial cricket history across formats and mention about the players who changed from that time onwards.
What Does “Fastest 100 in All Formats” Mean
Fastest 100 in All FormatsMeaning: The Fastest centuries scored in international cricket- Test matches, One Day Internationals and Twenty20 Internationals. Instead of the time in the crease, these records are calculated by the number of balls taken to reach 100 runs. A quick hundred not only reflects a batsman’s aggression but also preserves his anchor and breathing space. Innings like these are match turning and a treat to watch for millions of fans across the globe. Fastest hundreds in the format are some of the most explosive batting displays in cricket history.
The term refers to the quickest centuries scored across international cricket formats:
- Test Cricket
- One Day Internationals (ODIs)
- Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)
The ranking is generally based on the number of balls faced rather than minutes spent at the crease. The fewer balls required to reach 100 runs, the higher the ranking.
Top 10 Fastest 100 in All Formats
| Rank | Player | Team | Format | Balls to 100 | Opponent | Year |
| 1 | AB de Villiers | South Africa | ODI | 31 | West Indies | 2015 |
| 2 | Kushal Malla | Nepal | T20I | 34 | Mongolia | 2023 |
| 3 | David Miller | South Africa | T20I | 35 | Bangladesh | 2017 |
| 4 | Rohit Sharma | India | T20I | 35 | Sri Lanka | 2017 |
| 5 | Sudesh Wickramasekara | Czech Republic | T20I | 35 | Turkey | 2019 |
| 6 | Sahil Chauhan | Estonia | T20I | 41 | Cyprus | 2024 |
| 7 | Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton | Namibia | T20I | 42 | Nepal | 2024 |
| 8 | Corey Anderson | New Zealand | ODI | 36 | West Indies | 2014 |
| 9 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | ODI | 37 | Sri Lanka | 1996 |
| 10 | Brendon McCullum | New Zealand | Test | 54 | Australia | 2016 |
Records based on international cricket and balls faced to reach the century milestone.
Top 10 Fastest Centurions in Cricket History
Fastest Cricketers (Top 10 Fastest Centurions Of All Time) Number of Runs in Scoring An ODI Century to Change The Records, a Complete Understanding These players got to their hundred in very few balls, demonstrating an almost superhuman combination of power, timing and a clear attacking intent. They have in fact, turned the course of matches for years in a couple of overs and made late-night television palatable to the millions of cricket fans around the globe.
Whether it be AB de Villiers’ blistering 31-ball ODI century or Brendon McCullum’s quickest Test hundred these knocks have produced some of the most phenomenal moments in history books of cricket. It shows how brisk and aggressive modern cricket is across formats.
1. AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 31 Balls vs West Indies, ODI, 2015
Wishing the great AB de Villiers one a very happy birthday as he rewrote cricket history in 46 test matches scoring 8767 runs making this innings of his life when he smashed a hundred in only 31 balls against West Indies at Johannesburg. Nicknamed ‘Mr. 360’, he made revolutionary strokes all across the land, making bowlers look like fools. But his century broke all ODI records held by Corey Anderson and it is still the quickest hundred in international cricket. It was de Villiers who ultimately went on to hit 149 off just 44 balls.
The innings featured a lot of boundaries and mammoth sixes. It is regarded even today by fans and experts as one of the greatest ODI innings ever played. His record remains a benchmark of modern-day aggressive batting.
AB de Villiers Achievement Table
| Achievement | Details |
| Format | ODI |
| Balls to Century | 31 |
| Opponent | West Indies |
| Venue | Johannesburg |
| Year | 2015 |
| Final Score | 149 (44) |
| World Record | Fastest ODI Century |
| Ranking | #1 Fastest International Century |
2. Kushal Malla (Nepal) – 34 Balls vs Mongolia, T20I, 2023
Kushal Malla, the aura of Nepal’s cricketing world, managed to make history during the Asian Games as he took just 34 balls for his century against Mongolia. The 22-year-old scored runs with aggressive strokeplay and then in power hitting during the inning. The knock established numerous T20I century records whilst also cementing Nepal’s place in the cricket history books by virtue of that record-breaking innings. Malla kept attacking the bowlers from ball one and maintained an incredible strike rate.
That innings also illustrated the increasing competitiveness of associate-nation cricket. It also proved that only world class batting performances were possible from the up-and-coming cricket nations. He used to hold the record for the fastest T20I century until today.
Kushal Malla Achievement Table
| Achievement | Details |
| Format | T20I |
| Balls to Century | 34 |
| Opponent | Mongolia |
| Venue | Asian Games |
| Year | 2023 |
| World Record | Fastest T20I Century |
| Team | Nepal |
| Ranking | #2 |
3. David Miller (South Africa) – 35 Balls vs Bangladesh, T20I, 2017
Having cracked a 35-ball ton against Bangladesh which sees him accelerate himself into one of the fastest scoring cricketers in history, David Miller. The south-paw’s clean ball-striking and raw power is known to all. Miller slaughtered pacers and spinners alike in this innings. Quick workers’ are helped by his fifty, which was completed in the blink of an eye – and then he raced to three figures.
The knock allowed South Africa to assert complete dominance over the game. It was one of the fastest T20I centuries ever scored for a couple of years now. Miller’s innings is still one of the best T20 innings ever.
David Miller Achievement Table
| Achievement | Details |
| Format | T20I |
| Balls to Century | 35 |
| Opponent | Bangladesh |
| Year | 2017 |
| Team | South Africa |
| Strike Rate | Exceptional |
| Record Status | Joint Fastest at the Time |
| Ranking | #3 |
4. Rohit Sharma (India) – 35 Balls vs Sri Lanka, T20I, 2017
Rohit Sharma reached T20I century in 35 balls, equaling David Miller’s record, against Sri Lanka. This innings allowed the Indian opener to showcase his brute strength with grace. He was clearing the boundary with ease while holding the timing and control immaculately. Rohit’s contribution with the bat saw India put up a mammoth total and win in commendable fashion. It was the quickest hundred in T20Is by an Indian batsman.
This innings is remembered for its blend of elegance and brute strength. That century further cemented Rohit’s status as one of the greatest ever white-ball batters in cricket.
Rohit Sharma Achievement Table
| Achievement | Details |
| Format | T20I |
| Balls to Century | 35 |
| Opponent | Sri Lanka |
| Year | 2017 |
| Team | India |
| Record | Fastest Indian T20I Century |
| Match Result | India Won |
| Ranking | #4 |
5. Sudesh Wickramasekara (Czech Republic) – 35 Balls vs Turkey, T20I, 2019
Karlovy Vary: Sudesh Wickramasekara recently hit the spotlight when he scored a 35-ball 100 for the Czech Republic versus Turkey. His innings underscored the growing strength of the associate nations in cricket. Wickramasekara, who was on strike from the beginning, never let up in his attack against the opposition bowlers.
The twenty-run knock propelled his team to a comfortable win. It did not come from a big cricketing nation, yet this incredible feat brought him recognition across the globe. His ton still stands as the second fastest ever in T20 internationals. The innings was a sign of things to come, as the level of cricketing talent all over the world continues to be on rise.
Sudesh Wickramasekara Achievement Table
| Achievement | Details |
| Format | T20I |
| Balls to Century | 35 |
| Opponent | Turkey |
| Year | 2019 |
| Team | Czech Republic |
| Record Type | Fastest T20I Hundreds |
| Recognition | Global Attention |
| Ranking | #5 |
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6. Sahil Chauhan (Estonia) – 41 Balls vs Cyprus, T20I, 2024
In 2024, Sahil Chauhan made his way into the record books with a sensational hundred in just 41 balls vs Cyprus. He hit aggressively and with real intent (Representing Estonia). Chauhan did not give time to settle to the bowlers as he started attacking them right from the word go. Soon, his century was the second fastest in T20I history.
It drew global attention to Estonia and showcased cricket’s growing popularity in the country. It also demonstrated the groundswell of T20 cricket that has created a platform for smaller nations to generate international stars. He is one of the best that an associate-nation player has produced.
Sahil Chauhan Achievement Table
| Achievement | Details |
| Format | T20I |
| Balls to Century | 41 |
| Opponent | Cyprus |
| Year | 2024 |
| Team | Estonia |
| Record Category | Fastest T20I Centuries |
| Global Recognition | Yes |
| Ranking | #6 |
7. Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton (Namibia) – 42 Balls vs Nepal, T20I, 2024
Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton blasted a century in just 42 balls for Namibia against Nepal. There was plenty of aggressive strokeplay and six-hitting in the innings. He kept milking the gaps and punished every bad ball. Such a knock helped Namibia get to an impressive win, and drew plaudits from cricket experts around the globe.
Meanwhile, Loftie-Eaton’s hundred was among the quickest ever T20I hundreds. It showed us that Namibia, who have been quietly doing great things in international cricket. It will go down as a defining innings in his career.
Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton Achievement Table
| Achievement | Details |
| Format | T20I |
| Balls to Century | 42 |
| Opponent | Nepal |
| Year | 2024 |
| Team | Namibia |
| Achievement | Fastest Century for Namibia |
| Match Impact | Match Winning |
| Ranking | #7 |
8. Corey Anderson (New Zealand) – 36 Balls vs West Indies, ODI, 2014
Corey Anderson The fastest ODI century before AB de Villiers hit all the right notes to rewrite record books with a 31-ball hundred against Sri Lanka, was held previously by Corey Anderson when he scored a 36-ball century against West Indies. Southee went on to exhibit amazing strength and an all-rounder confidence in the innings. His hundred also broke a nearly 18-year-old record previously held by Shahid Afridi.
Anderson’s innings was in the era when one day cricket changed from an average run rate of 4 runs per over to effectively being a bumper car race. The knock is considered one of the finest overall ODI innings played by a New Zealand player. That record of his opened a door for quicker hundreds to be done down the road.
Corey Anderson Achievement Table
| Achievement | Details |
| Format | ODI |
| Balls to Century | 36 |
| Opponent | West Indies |
| Year | 2014 |
| Team | New Zealand |
| Previous Record Broken | Shahid Afridi |
| Record Status | Fastest ODI Century (Former) |
| Ranking | #8 |
9. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 37 Balls vs Sri Lanka, ODI, 1996
Launch of dynamic player — Opening batter for a year or 2Shahid Afridi crushed the cricket wording in 1996 when he enlisted areas of strength for a century against Sri Lanka, coming off only 40 balls. Adopting a fearless aggression that was hard to come by in that era, Afridi knew how to be exciting as a teenager. That innings changed the complexion of ODI batting, giving hope to young aspiring power hitters for generations to come. The record had lasted for nearly 18 years, one of the longest standing records in cricket.
Afridi’s knock consisted of many boundaries and big sixes. It is still regarded by fans as one of the greatest innings ever in ODI cricket. It signaled the beginning of one of the most entertaining players in cricket’s history.
Shahid Afridi Achievement Table
| Achievement | Details |
| Format | ODI |
| Balls to Century | 37 |
| Opponent | Sri Lanka |
| Year | 1996 |
| Team | Pakistan |
| Record Duration | Nearly 18 Years |
| Historic Significance | Revolutionized ODI Batting |
| Ranking | #9 |
10. Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) – 54 Balls vs Australia, Test, 2016
The Fastest Test century in the history of cricket was scored by Brendon McCullum. He went to three figures in just 54 balls during his last Test match versus Australia. It vertically altered the gran um- perceiving box to chase Test Cricket Runs.
McCullum took on one of the game’s great attacks right from ball 1. He had thrived on entertainment, and thus gave birth to a new modern upbeat exuberance of Test cricket. At the longest format, the century still remained unbeaten. One of the finest captains of New Zealand signs off in style.
Brendon McCullum Achievement Table
| Achievement | Details |
| Format | Test |
| Balls to Century | 54 |
| Opponent | Australia |
| Year | 2016 |
| Team | New Zealand |
| World Record | Fastest Test Century |
| Match Significance | Final Test Match |
| Ranking | #10 |
Fastest Century Records by Format
| Format | Player | Balls |
| Test Cricket | Brendon McCullum | 54 |
| ODI Cricket | AB de Villiers | 31 |
| T20 International | Kushal Malla | 34 |
These records demonstrate how batting has evolved across all formats of the game.
Why Fast Centuries Matter in Modern Cricket
Match-Winning Impact
If a team lays down and scores a quick hundred, the entire momentum shifts of the game back to them and there is immense pressure on the opposition.
Entertainment Value
Fans love aggressive batting. Nothing beats a fast century, or when chasing 16 runs with one over remaining and no one else to bat down. Such enthralling cricket keeps the hearts of loonies pumping and drags new fans into the game.
Evolution of Batting
The game has gone far since you were playing, most players nowadays are athletes and they train for power-hitting, hence one day even centuries is only a matter of few balls.
Franchise Cricket Influence
The Indian Premier League and other leagues have championed aggressive batting, innovative shot-making.
Increased Scoring Rates
Batters also now are faster scorers because of improved fitness, better equipment and advanced game analysis.
Can These Records Be Broken
In cricket, few things feel more unattainable than the 31-ball ODI record set by AB de Villiers. But aggressive batting now being the trend, it will one day be undoubtedly challenged.
The T20I record is in danger especially since modern-day players go full tilt from the first ball. But breaking a speed record in Test cricket may be the hardest format on which to do it as each of the conditions and match situations differ dramatically.
Conclusion
Some of the most exhilarating innings in all of cricketing history is hidden within the narrative of fastest 100 across formats. AB de Villiers 31-ball ODI hundred, Kushal Malla’s 34-ball T20I century and Brendon McCullum’s 54-ball Test hundred are among the most regarded feats in cricket. Such performances not only re-wrote the rules of cricket, but also showed beyond doubt that a batter can rule every format with sheer guts.
Key Takeaways
- Fastest International Centuries: AB de Villiers (31 balls)
- Kushal Malla (Fastest T20I century in 34 balls)
- Most balls taken to score a Test century (54 — Brendon McCullum)
- Quickest hundreds have become a representation of aggressive cricket in the modern era.
These innings are still regarded as some of the greatest batting performances in cricket history.
FAQs
1. Who scored the fastest 100 in all formats of international cricket?
The fastest 100 in all formats of international cricket was scored by AB de Villiers, who reached his century in just 31 balls against West Indies in an ODI match in 2015.
2. What is the fastest century record in Test, ODI, and T20I cricket?
The fastest Test century belongs to Brendon McCullum (54 balls), the fastest ODI century belongs to AB de Villiers (31 balls), and the fastest T20I century belongs to Kushal Malla (34 balls).
3. Who has scored the fastest ODI century in cricket history?
AB de Villiers holds the record for the fastest ODI century in cricket history, scoring 100 runs from only 31 balls against West Indies at Johannesburg.
4. Which Indian cricketer has scored the fastest T20I century?
Rohit Sharma holds the record for the fastest T20I century by an Indian cricketer, reaching his hundred in just 35 balls against Sri Lanka in 2017.
5. Has anyone broken Brendon McCullum’s fastest Test century record?
No, Brendon McCullum’s 54-ball century against Australia in 2016 remains the fastest century ever scored in Test cricket.
6. What are the top 10 fastest centuries in cricket history across all formats?
The top 10 fastest centuries in cricket history include AB de Villiers, Kushal Malla, David Miller, Rohit Sharma, Sudesh Wickramasekara, Sahil Chauhan, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Corey Anderson, Shahid Afridi, and Brendon McCullum, based on the fewest balls taken to reach 100 runs.
