West Indies made history when they won the first two editions of the ODI World Cup in 1975 and 1979. They even played in the final of the 1983 World Cup but lost to India. But since then, the Caribbean team hasn’t been able to qualify for the final. Despite some of the greatest ODI batters, this team has looked a bit unsettled at times.
Nonetheless, West Indies has given some of the legends to the game. And today, we will talk about some of the best West Indian batters who have scored the most centuries in 50-over cricket. So, let’s take a look at the West Indies’ champions in cricket history.
Most Centuries in ODI by West Indies
| Batter | Span | Mts | 100s | Runs | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Gayle | 1999-2019 | 298 | 25 | 10425 | 53 |
| Brain Lara | 1990-2007 | 295 | 19 | 10348 | 62 |
| Desmond Haynes | 1978-1994 | 238 | 17 | 8648 | 57 |
| Shai Hope | 2016-2022* | 104 | 13 | 4308 | 21 |
| Gordon Greenidge | 1975-1991 | 128 | 11 | 5134 | 31 |
| Viv Richards | 1975-1991 | 187 | 11 | 6721 | 45 |
| Shivnarine Chanderpaul | 1994-2011 | 268 | 11 | 8778 | 59 |
| Marlon Samuels | 2000-2018 | 207 | 10 | 5606 | 30 |
| Carl Hooper | 1987-2003 | 227 | 7 | 5761 | 29 |
| Shimron Hetmyer | 2017-2021 | 47 | 5 | 1447 | 4 |
5. Gordon Greenidge – 11 Centuries in 128 games
Former West Indian opener Gordon Greenidge is fifth on this list. He was part of both the 1975 and 1979 World Cup winning teams and played a crucial role in those history making moments. He served his country for 16 years in total. Greenidge played 128 ODIs and scored 5134 runs at 45.03. He also made 11 centuries and 31 half-centuries, with a best score of 133 not out.
4. Shai Hope – 13 Centuries in 104 games
Shai Hope is arguably the best ODI batter from the West Indies in the modern era. He is their most consistent contributor and loves playing big innings. Hope made his debut in November 2016. He is the second-fastest batter (67 innings) to reach 3000 ODI runs after Hashim Amla (57). Hope has played 104 games so far and scored 4308 runs at a decent average of 48.95. In his career, he has scored 13 centuries and 21 half-centuries.
3. Desmond Haynes – 17 Centuries in 238 games
Former opening batter Desmond Haynes has scored the third most ODI centuries for the West Indies. He made his ODI debut in February 1978 against Australia and scored a brilliant century. In fact, he holds the record for the highest score (148) on debut in 50-over cricket. Haynes played 238 ODIs in his career and scored 8648 runs at 41.37. The former opener made a total of 17 centuries and 57 half-centuries in his career.
2. Brain Lara – 19 Centuries in 295 ODI games
When it comes to traditional batting, history suggests that Brain Lara was the biggest name in West Indian cricket. Lara has scored the most international centuries and most international runs for his country in his superb career. The left-hander was a top batter in ODIs and Tests as well. He played 295 ODI games and scored 10348 runs at 40.90. Lara smashed 19 centuries, along with 62 half-centuries (most for West Indies) during his career.
1. Chris Gayle – 25 Centuries in 298 ODI games
Chris Gayle was among the top-favored players across the world for his batting style. He was the one who revolutionized white-ball cricket in his country. The biggest superstar, who was famously known as “Universe Boss,” is the only West Indian with a double ODI century. He played 298 games and scored 10425 runs (most for the West Indies) at 38.04. The left-hander made a total of 25 centuries and 53 half-centuries, with a best of 215.