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

Here are the top five fastest centuries by South African batsmen in test cricket.

A game of patience, test cricket is known for examining the temperament and grinding ability of the batsmen. While evaluating, critics often emphasize the runs to highlight the endurance and determination of a batsman to play through the tough phases of the game.

While test cricket indeed requires a lot of patience in the long run, there are moments in the game when a sudden shift in momentum is required. A counter-attacking innings not only helps the team by accumulating quick runs but it also triggers a panic in the opposition, making them prone to more mistakes.

The South African cricket team have produced a few dynamic batsmen who have been known for their ability to change the game within a few overs. While the bouncy wickets of South Africa favour the fast bowlers, it also helps the batsmen to play cross-batted, through-the-line shots.

On that note, let’s explore the top five fastest centuries by South African batsmen in test cricket.

Here are the five fastest hundreds (100) by South African batsmen in test cricket:

5. Shaun Pollock – 95 balls vs Sri Lanka, Centurion, 2001

Legendary South African all-rounder Shaun Pollock played a cracking innings against Sri Lanka at Centurion in 2001, which was the third test of the three-match series.

Batting first, South Africa were under pressure with the scorecard reading 204/7. Playing a counter-attacking innings Pollock brought up his hundred in just 95 balls. His innings was pivotal in South Africa reaching an above-par total of 378 runs.

Sri Lankan batting faltered as they lost the game by an innings and seven runs. Pollock was named Player of the Match for his match-winning performance.

4. Jonty Rhodes- 95 balls vs West Indies, Centurion, 1998

Jonty Rhodes blasted a 95-ball ton in Centurion in the 1998 home series against West Indies. His blistering knock came when the Proteas were looking to extend their first-innings lead.

Jonty’s innings comprised eight fours and six sixes as he completed his century in 95 balls, powering South Africa to the massive lead of 568 runs.

South Africa wrapped up the game on the fourth day, winning by 351 runs. Jonty was named Player of the Match for his stunning century.

3. Denis Lindsay – 95 balls vs Australia, Johannesburg, 1966

Dennis Lindsay smashed a 95-ball century against Australia in 1966 at Johannesburg which was then the fastest test century by a South African in test cricket. What made his innings special was the fact that it came when his team was looking to stage a comeback in the contest.

Facing a deficit of 126 runs, South Africa needed a strong batting performance to pull the game into their favour.

Lindsay’s blazing knock of 182 runs helped South Africa post a mammoth score of 620 in their second innings. In the chase, Australia were bundled out for 261 runs, handing South Africa a win by 233 runs.

2. Hashim Amla – 87 balls vs Australia, Perth, 2012

One of the greatest batsmen of the 21st century, Hashim Amla hit the second-fastest test century by a South African batsman when he smashed a quickfire 87-ball hundred against Australia at Perth in 2012.

Coming in at number 3, Amla destroyed the Aussie bowling attack by smashing 21 fours for his innings of 196. Building on the first-innings lead, Amla’s inning powered South Africa to 569 runs in their second innings.

The Aussies were no match with the bat as they were bundled out for 322 listing by 309 runs.

1. AB de Villiers – 75 balls vs India, Centurion, 2010

Hailed as “Mr. 360-degree,” AB de Villers holds the record for the fastest test hundred by a South African for his 75-ball century against India in Centurion in 2010.

After wrapping up the Indian first innings for just 136 runs, De Villers’ 75-ball ton helped South Africa post a massive total of 620/4 declared in the first innings. AB’s innings comprised 12 fours and five sixes.

India in their second innings were bowled out for 459 runs, handing South Africa a win by an innings and 25 runs.

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