Achieving a century in One Day Internationals (ODIs) is a clear sign of a batter's skill and ability. Reaching that milestone of three digits requires exceptional skill, quick thinking, and immense dedication. Scoring a scorching century not only gives a team a strong advantage but also enhances the batter's reputation.
Let's explore the top 3 occasions when Indian batters scored the fastest centuries in ODIs, solidifying their place in cricket history.
Fastest Century in ODIs by an Indian
The following Indian batters have registered the fastest centuries in the history of ODI cricket:
|
Batsman Name |
Opponent |
Balls Taken |
Year |
|
Virat Kohli |
Australia |
52 |
2013 |
|
Virender Sehwag |
New Zealand |
60 |
2009 |
|
Virat Kohli |
Australia |
61 |
2013 |
Let’s explore these top performances in detail.
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1. Virat Kohli – 52 balls
Virat Kohli, this name needs no introduction when it comes to scoring centuries. The modern day legend bags the record of scoring the most number of centuries in ODIs. The attacking batter etched his name in the records with a sensational century against Australia in 2013, where he became the Indian to smash the fastest century in ODIs.
It was the 2nd ODI of Australia's tour of India in 2013, when the young Virat Kohli brutally thrashed the Kangaroos’ bowling lineup to reach the 100-runs mark within just 52 balls.
In this thrilling match, Australia batted first, and posted a mammoth total of 359 runs. India’s opening batsmen Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma got off to a solid start with the latter scoring 141 off 123 deliveries. Post Dhawan’s dismissal, Kohli charged the bowlers and began his masterclass.
His fiery knock was powered by 8 boundaries and 7 sixes at a strike rate of 192.3, helping India to chase down the target in just 43.3 overs with 9 wickets to spare.
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2. Virender Sehwag – 60 balls
Back in the day, Virender Sehwag became a popular name in world cricket as he adopted a fearless fashion of batting, irrespective of the format. The opener’s fastest century in the limited overs came against the black caps in 2009. Sehwag became the fastest centurion by achieving the milestone in just 60 balls, until his record was shattered by Virat Kohli.
In the unfortunate rain-marred game, New Zealand posted a target of 270 runs. Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir got India to a good start, dominating the kiwis’ lethal bowling unit. Sehwag’s remarkable century was powered by 14 fours and 6 maximums, after which he remained unbeaten on 125 runs off 74 deliveries. The duo helped India secure a 84-runs win by the DLS method.
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3. Virat Kohli – 61 balls
The legendary batter Virat Kohli once again showcased his batting prowess against Australia in the same tour in 2013 during the 6th game of the series. During this high-intensity match in Nagpur, just a few days after his fastest ODI century, Virat flaunted his stellar form once again. He smashed yet another hundred off 61 balls and helped India secure a thrilling victory, chasing 351 runs in 49.3 overs.
Kohli came to the crease after Sharma and Dhawan’s solid partnership and scored a series of boundaries, hitting 18 fours and a six in his unbeaten 115-run knock off 66 balls.
The Takeaway
Though Virat Kohli and Virender Sehwag dominate the top spots, other Indian players like Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Azharuddin have also left their mark with quickfire centuries in ODIs. These performances remind fans and critics alike of the extraordinary talent present in Indian cricket.
These incredible innings by Indian batters not only set new records but also redefined the pace of ODI cricket. Their ability to chase down imposing targets with such quick centuries has inspired a generation of cricketers to push the limits of the game.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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