In the thrilling realm of cricket, centuries stand as a symbol of remarkable batting skill. Achieving a century in the ICC Cricket World Cup is a monumental feat that forever engraves a player’s name in the storied history of cricket.
In recent years, One Day International (ODI) cricket has witnessed a remarkable shift. The classic struggle between bat and ball has evolved dramatically, with batsmen generally holding the upper hand. This development can be linked to numerous factors, such as the rise of T20 cricket and the increased adoption of unusual strokes by hitters. Nowadays, batters aren’t as anxious about getting dismissed; their primary goal is to smash strong strokes that send the ball hurtling over the boundary ropes.
In this article, we take a deep dive into the top 5 fastest centuries in the ICC Cricket World Cup.
1. Aiden Markram
During the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Aiden Markram from South Africa left an indelible mark in the annals of cricket history by delivering a mesmerizing century against Sri Lanka. In a breathtaking display of skill and determination, Markram achieved his century in a mere 49 balls, eclipsing the previous record held by Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien. His performance was a symphony of precision, strength, and composure, serving as the bedrock for South Africa’s innings.
2. Kevin O’Brien
One of the most unforgettable moments in the history of the 2011 Cricket World Cup was undoubtedly Kevin O’Brien’s remarkable century against England. The Irish team had quite a mountain to climb, facing a daunting target of 328 runs and stumbling at 106/4. It was at this point that O’Brien seized control, launching an incredible assault on the English bowlers. In a mere 50 balls, he notched up a century, displaying audacious and fearless batting that featured 13 boundaries and six magnificent sixes. O’Brien’s heroics led Ireland to a historic victory that will forever be etched in the memories of cricket fans worldwide.
3. Glenn Maxwell
During the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, Glenn Maxwell illuminated the cricketing arena with an electrifying century off just 51 balls. This breathtaking display of skill and finesse occurred in the match against Sri Lanka, held in Sydney. Maxwell’s explosive innings concluded with a remarkable score of 102, leaving both fans and experts spellbound by his extraordinary talent.
4. AB de Villiers
In the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, AB de Villiers, a true cricketing legend of our times, left an indelible mark with a breathtaking performance. On a memorable day in Sydney, he showcased a masterclass in both elegance and aggression, crafting a sensational century in just 52 deliveries. Thanks to de Villiers’ extraordinary heroics, South Africa finished their innings with a formidable total of 162*, a testament to his brilliance against the West Indies.
5. Eoin Morgan
In 2019, fans were treated to an unforgettable moment when Eoin Morgan played a remarkable innings during the ICC Cricket World Cup match against Afghanistan in Manchester. With a blend of composure and careful calculation, Morgan crafted a century in just 57 balls, leading England to an impressive final score of 148*.
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