Despite the fact that South Africa hasn’t been able to win an ODI World Cup trophy, they have always been among the top teams in all three formats. Over the years, the South African pacers have dominated the world and also performed well in all conditions. But South African batters are also known for their consistency.
South Africa is one of the few countries with three batters with 20-plus centuries in ODI cricket. The likes of Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, and Jacques Kallis are some greats from the previous era. So, we will check the complete list of batters with the most centuries for South Africa in the history of the 50-over format.
Most Centuries in ODI by South Africa
| Batter | Span | Mts | 100s | Runs | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hashim Amla | 2008-2019 | 181 | 27 | 8113 | 39 |
| AB de Villiers | 2005-2018 | 223 | 25 | 9427 | 52 |
| Herschelle Gibbs | 1996-2010 | 248 | 21 | 8094 | 37 |
| Quinton de Kock | 2013-2022* | 135 | 17 | 5833 | 29 |
| Jacques Kallis | 1996-2014 | 323 | 17 | 11550 | 86 |
| Gary Kirsten | 1993-2003 | 185 | 13 | 6798 | 45 |
| Faf du Plessis | 2011-2019 | 143 | 12 | 5507 | 35 |
| Graeme Smith | 2002-2013 | 196 | 10 | 6989 | 47 |
| David Miller | 2010-2022* | 149 | 5 | 3656 | 18 |
| Boeta Dippenaar | 1999-2006 | 101 | 4 | 3300 | 25 |
5. Jacques Kallis – 17 Centuries in 323 games
There might not be many in history or even in modern era that can match the skillset of certainly the biggest name from South Africa. Jacques Kallis was a one-of-a-kind type of cricketer who was among the best all-rounders in the game. He has opened the innings by bowling and batting for his team. Kallis played 323 games in his career and scored 11550 runs (most for South Africa) at 45.11 with 17 centuries and 86 half-centuries. He also took 273 wickets with the ball.
4. Quinton de Kock – 17 Centuries in 135 games
The star wicketkeeper-batter, Quinton de Kock, is fourth on the list. He will surely climb up the ladder until he retires. The left-hander is an aggressive opener and is the best modern-day batter for his country in the white-ball format. He is one of a few batters, who have scored three consecutive ODI centuries. De Kock has played 135 games so far and scored 5833 runs with 17 centuries and 29 half-centuries in 50-over cricket.
3. Herschelle Gibbs – 21 Centuries in 248 games
Former South African opener Herschelle Gibbs is third on the list. Gibbs is famous for his brilliant century in the epic 435-run chase against Australia, which is the highest chase in history. Apart from that, he is another batter who has scored three consecutive ODI centuries in history. Gibbs played 248 ODIs in his career and scored 8094 runs at 36.13. He has also scored 21 centuries and 37 half-centuries in ODIs.
2. AB de Villiers – 25 Centuries in 223 ODI games
AB de Villiers was certainly the best batter that South Africa has ever produced. His skills were unmatched, and there might not be many players who can come close to what he did in all three formats. De Villiers has smashed the fastest ODI century off just 31 balls. He has played 223 ODIs in his career and scored 9427 runs at an incredible average and strike rate of 54.17 and 101.27, respectively. He scored 25 centuries and 52 half-centuries in his career.
1. Hashim Amla – 27 Centuries in 181 ODI games
Well, the game hasn’t seen a more consistent batsman than Hashim Amla in the game. He is the fastest batter to score 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000 and 7000 ODI runs, which shows the success he has achieved in the 50-over format. Amla played a lesser game as compared to others but had a fantastic record. He scored 8113 runs in 181 matches at 49.46. He also scored 27 centuries and 39 half-centuries.