Top 6 fastest centuries (100) by Pakistan batsmen in ODI cricket

Pakistan made their debut in ODI cricket in 1973.

One Day International (ODI) cricket is seen as a perfect mix of the longest and shortest formats of the game. While the ODI format challenges the batters to show patience and endurance when facing the new ball, the batsmen showcase their explosive prowess during the later stages of the game.

Throughout their cricketing history, Pakistan have produced several world-class hitters. The batting-friendly pitches of Pakistan further aid the power-hitting ability of these batsmen. Plenty of Pakistani batsmen have played blistering innings in ODI history, showcasing their vast range and skillset with the bat.

On that note, let’s look into the top six fastest centuries by Pakistani batsmen in ODI cricket.

Top five fastest centuries (100) by Pakistan batsmen in ODI cricket:

6. Fakhar Zaman – 63 balls vs New Zealand, 2023

Opener Fakhar Zaman etched his name in Pakistan’s history by scoring a 63-ball hundred vs New Zealand during the ICC Men’s Cricket World 2023.

After a disappointing start to the tournament, Pakistan’s group-stage game against New Zealand was crucial for the Men in Green. The game started in a horrific fashion for Pakistan as New Zealand posted a massive score of 401.

Pakistan’s reply was led by Fakhar Zaman’s blistering hundred. The left-hander completed his century in just 63 balls, powering Pakistan to the score of 200/1 before rain interrupted play. Pakistan won the game by 21 runs through the DLS method.

5. Sharjeel Khan – 61 balls vs Ireland, 2016

Former Pakistani opener Sharjeel Khan whacked a hundred off 61 balls against Ireland in 2016 in Dublin.

Batting first in a rain-affected game, Pakistan posted a massive score of 337 runs in 47 overs. Sharjeel was the star of the show for the visitors, scoring 152 off just 86 balls with 16 fours and nine sixes.

In reply Ireland were bowled out for just 82 runs, handing Pakistan the victory by 255 runs. Sharjeel was named Player of the Match for his excellent knock.

4. Shahid Afridi – 53 balls vs Bangladesh, 2010

One of Pakistan’s greatest-ever all-rounders, Shahid Afridi found his name in Pakistan’s record books in ODI cricket when he completed a 53-ball ton against Bangladesh in 2010.

Afridi’s mind-boggling knock came in the fifth game of Asia Cup 2010. Batting first, Afridi led his team to a huge score of 385. Afridi’s innings of 124 consisted of 17 fours and four sixes.

Chasing the total, Bangladesh were restricted to 246 runs. Pakistan won the game by 139 runs and Afridi was named Player of the Match.

3. Saim Ayub – 53 balls vs Zimbabwe, 2024

On 26th November, 2024, 22-year-old Saim Ayub registered his maiden ODI hundred and he did it in a great fashion, reaching the 100 in just 53 balls, which is the joint third-fastest ton by a Pakistani batsman in ODI cricket.

After being asked to bowl first, Pakistan dismantled Zimbabwe for 145 runs in the first innings with help of four wickets from Abrar Ahmed and three from Agha Salman. Chasing a low target of 146 runs, Pakistan took only 18.2 overs to finish the match. Saim Ayub scored 113 off 62 deliveries and Abdullah Shafiqur contributed with 32 off 48. Pakistan won the game by 10 wickets after a shambolic defeat in the first match of the series in 2024.

2. Shahid Afridi – 45 balls vs India, 2005

Afridi’s spectacular hundred against India in 2005 in Kanpur added an unforgettable chapter in one of cricket’s biggest rivalries.

Chasing the target of 250, Afridi took the Indian bowling by storm, smashing 10 fours and nine sixes in his monumental knock of 102 as he reached the three-figure mark in 45 balls. This is the fastest century by a Pakistani batsman against India in ODI cricket.

Afridi’s record-breaking innings helped Pakistan reach the target with 47 balls to spare. Afridi was named Player of the Match for his thunderous knock.

1. Shahid Afridi – 37 balls vs Sri Lanka, 1996

Shahid Afridi holds the record for the fastest century by a Pakistani batsman in ODI cricket with his 37-ball hundred against Sri Lanka in 1996 in Nairobi.

This epic innings remains one of the most iconic knocks in ODI cricket history. Playing only the second ODI of his career, Afridi stunned everyone with his hitting prowess.

Coming in at No. 3, Afridi smashed 102 runs off just 40 balls. Afridi’s knock was an exhibition of power hitting: it consisted of six fours and 11 towering sixes.

Afridi’s brilliance helped Pakistan win the game by 82 runs and he was named Player of the Match for his match-winning effort.

(All stats updated till 26th November, 2024)

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