Fastest Century in ODI for South Africa

South Africa has always been a strong batting side in all three formats of the game. In every era, their batting lineup is studded with some great batters and power-hitters. And notably, it is a South African batter who has scored the fastest ODI century in the history of the game. In fact, not just in ODIs, this century is the fastest in international cricket.

And two out of the four fastest ODI hundreds belong to South Africa. The likes of AB de Villiers, David Miller, Quinton de Kock, and many other superstars have scored some quick centuries in their careers. So let’s take a clear look at the fastest ODI century for South Africa.

Fastest Century in ODI by South Africa

5. AB de Villiers (102 not out) – 57 balls vs India

Now can doubt on the skills of AB de Villiers when it was about power-hitting. 8 out of the top 10 fastest ODI centuries for South Africa were scored by De Villiers. The fifth-fastest century came against India in Ahmedabad on February 27, 2010. It came in the series when Sachin Tendulkar scored the first-ever ODI double century. Batting first, South Africa scored a big total of 365/2 with the help of centuries from Jacques Kallis (104*) and De Villiers, who scored a 58-ball century and made an unbeaten 102 off 59 balls, with 11 fours and three sixes. Chasing the target, India got all out for 275 and lost the game by 90 runs. 

4. AB de Villiers (119 runs) – 58 balls vs India

The fourth-fastest century for South Africa in 50-over cricket is also registered under the name of AB de Villiers, and it also came against India. It was a game at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in October 2015. After winning the toss, South Africa batted first and posted their joint-highest ODI score of 438/4. Three South African batters scored centuries. Quinton de Kock (109), Faf du Plessis (133), and De Villiers (119). De Villiers scored a 57-ball century and made 119 off 61 balls, with 3 fours and 11 sixes. In reply, India were dismissed for 224 runs, and South Africa won by 214 runs.

3. AB de Villiers (162 not out) – 52 balls vs West Indies

AB de Villiers is once again on the list, and this time with the third-fastest century for his country. It came against the West Indies in the 2015 ODI World Cup at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The Proteas scored a total of 408/5 runs in their first inning with the help of a 52-ball century from De Villiers. He scored an unbeaten 162 runs off 66 balls, with 17 fours and 8 sixes. West Indies had a contrasting batting performance and were dismissed for just 151 runs. Thus, South Africa won by 257 runs.

2. Mark Boucher – 44 balls vs Zimbabwe in 2006

Former South African wicketkeeper Mark Boucher scored the second fastest century for his country in the 50-over format. In fact, this century remained the fastest for South Africa for almost 10 years. It came against Zimbabwe at Potchefstroom in September 2006. South Africa scored 418/5 in their inning, largely due to a 44-ball century from Boucher. He remained unbeaten on 147 off just 68 balls, with 8 fours and 10 sixes. Chasing the target, Zimbabwe managed 247/4 and lost the game by 171 runs.

1. AB de Villiers – 31 balls vs West Indies in 2015

Not just for South Africa, AB de Villiers has scored the fastest international centuries across the formats. The fastest century came against West Indies when De Villiers just went breserk. South Africa posted their highest ODI total in this game. They made 439/2, with all three of their top batters scoring centuries. Hashim Amla scored 153 off 142, Rilee Rossouw made 128 off 115, and De Villiers scored a century off just 31 balls. He got out on 149 off 44 balls, with 9 fours and 16 sixes. For West Indies, there were a few contributions, but they only managed 291/7 and lost the game by 148 runs.

Team wise Fastest 100 in ODI