Top 5 fastest centuries (100) by South African batsmen in ODI cricket

Three South African batsmen have scored hundreds under 50 balls in ODI cricket.

South Africa have been a dominating side in ODI cricket over the years. Although South Africa have never won an ODI World Cup, they have given impressive performances by reaching the semi-finals on several occasions in the tournament’s history.

Over the years, South Africa have produced many power-hitters in ODI cricket, who have dominated opposition bowlers with their aggressive batting style. Several Proteas batters also delivered unforgettable batting performances in the format, smacking centuries in breathtaking fashion.

If we look at records for fastest centuries in ODI cricket, three South African batsmen have reached the three-digit mark in less than 50 deliveries. Moreover, one Proteas batsman still owns the record for the fastest ton in the 50-over format. On that note, below are the top five fastest centuries by South African batsmen in ODI cricket.

Top 5 fastest centuries (100) by South African batsmen in ODI cricket

5. Heinrich Klaasen – 54 balls (vs West Indies, 2023)

Former South Africa wicket-keeper batter Heinrich Klaasen grabs the fifth spot on this list. Klaasen, who retired from international cricket in June 2025, scored a century off just 54 balls in ODI cricket.

He achieved the feat against the West Indies in March 2023, during the third and final ODI at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom. After being asked to bat first, the West Indies were bowled out for 260 runs, with a half-century by opener Brandon King.

During the chase, the hosts lost four wickets with 87 runs on the board. However, Klaasen, who batted at five, slammed an unbeaten 119 off 61 balls to power the Proteas to victory by four wickets.

During his innings, the right-handed batsman hammered five sixes and 15 boundaries. With Klaasen’s batting heroics, South Africa chased down the target within 30 overs to end the three-match series in a 1-1 draw.

4. AB de Villiers – 52 balls (vs West Indies, 2015)

Former captain AB de Villiers is considered the best power hitter to ever play for South Africa. During a group stage match against the West Indies in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, the right-handed batsman hammered a century off just 52 balls.

Slamming unbeaten 162 runs off just 66 deliveries with 17 fours and eight sixes, De Villiers powered the team’s total to 408/5 in the first innings. Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, and Rilee Rossouw smacked fifties to help the team reach a mammoth total.

Later, they bundled out the Caribbean side for just 151 runs, winning the encounter by 257 runs. The encounter took place at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Australia.

3. Aiden Markram – 49 balls (vs Sri Lanka, 2023)

Current T20I skipper Aiden Markram captures the third spot on this list. During a clash against Sri Lanka in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, the right-handed batsman hammered a century off just 49 deliveries.

Sri Lanka elected to field first in the encounter, which took place at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. For South Africa, Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram slammed centuries, taking the scoreboard to 428/5 in the first innings.

With the mammoth total, Proteas registered the record for the highest ever team total in ODI World Cups. Markram, who scored 106 runs off 54 deliveries, hit 14 fours and three sixes. Bowling out Sri Lanka for 326 runs, South Africa won the encounter by 102 runs.

2. Mark Boucher – 44 balls (vs Zimbabwe, 2006)

Back in 2006, Mark Boucher slammed a century off just 44 deliveries against Zimbabwe. This knock still holds the record for the second fastest ODI ton by a South African batsman. Both teams locked horns in the third and final ODI at Sedgars Park, Potchefstroom.

Opting to bat first, the Proteas posted a mountainous total of 418/5. Wicket-keeper Boucher slammed an unbeaten 147 runs off 68 balls, hitting 10 sixes and eight boundaries. Later, Zimbabwe could only reach 247/4 in the second innings, losing the game by 171 runs. For his wonderful batting show, Boucher was adjudged Player of the Match.

1. AB de Villiers – 31 balls (vs West Indies, 2015)

AB de Villiers steals the top spot on this list with his 31-ball century against the West Indies in January 2015. During the second game of the five-match ODI series at home, De Villiers showed his true power with the bat to stun the cricket fraternity.

South Africa were asked to bat first in the encounter, which took place at New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. Openers Hashim Amla and Rilee Rossouw gave a wonderful start to batting with their centuries.

Later, skipper De Villiers followed it up with his quickfire 149 runs off just 44 balls, slamming 16 sixes. With his 31-ball century, the right-handed batsman scripted the record for fastest ODI ton in international cricket. His record is still unbroken to date.

South Africa posted 439/2 in the first innings, registering their highest-ever total in ODI cricket. Later, the hosts won the encounter by 148 runs, restricting the West Indies to 291/7 in the second innings.

(All stats updated till 30th November, 2025)

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