One Day International (ODI) cricket is often regarded as the ideal blend of the longest and shortest formats, combining the need for patience and endurance in the early stages with the opportunity for explosive batting in the latter half of the game. Pakistan, with its rich cricketing history, has consistently produced some of the world’s finest power hitters. The country’s batting-friendly pitches further enhance the ability of these players to showcase their explosive talent. Over the years, numerous Pakistani batsmen have delivered remarkable innings, demonstrating their wide range and exceptional skill in ODI cricket.
Here are the top six fastest centuries by Pakistan batsmen in ODI cricket, showcasing their explosive power and rapid run-scoring ability.
6. Fakhar Zaman – 63 balls vs New Zealand, 2023
Fakhar Zaman made history for Pakistan with a blistering 63-ball century against New Zealand in the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Despite a rough start to the tournament, Pakistan’s crucial group-stage match against New Zealand began disastrously, with the Kiwis posting an imposing 401. Zaman’s explosive century, completed in just 63 balls, propelled Pakistan to 200/1 before rain halted play. Pakistan ultimately triumphed by 21 runs via the DLS method.
5. Sharjeel Khan – 61 balls vs Ireland, 2016
Sharjeel Khan made his mark in 2016 with a stunning 61-ball hundred against Ireland in Dublin. Batting first in a rain-affected game, Pakistan set a massive target of 337 in 47 overs. Sharjeel smashed an incredible 152 from 86 balls, hitting 16 fours and nine sixes. Ireland collapsed to 82, handing Pakistan a commanding 255-run victory, with Sharjeel earning the Player of the Match award for his match-winning knock.
4. Shahid Afridi – 53 balls vs Bangladesh, 2010
Shahid Afridi’s legendary status was cemented with a remarkable 53-ball century against Bangladesh in the 2010 Asia Cup. Afridi’s explosive knock of 124 led Pakistan to a colossal total of 385. His innings featured 17 fours and four sixes, and Pakistan won by 139 runs after restricting Bangladesh to 246. Afridi was named Player of the Match for his stunning performance.
3. Saim Ayub – 53 balls vs Zimbabwe, 2024
On November 26, 2024, Saim Ayub made a spectacular entry into ODI cricket with his first-ever hundred off just 53 balls, the joint third-fastest century by a Pakistani in ODIs. Pakistan had earlier bowled Zimbabwe out for just 145, and Ayub’s blazing 113 off 62 balls led them to a dominant 10-wicket victory in just 18.2 overs, completing the chase with ease.
2. Shahid Afridi – 45 balls vs India, 2005
Shahid Afridi stunned India in 2005 with one of the fastest centuries in ODI history, reaching 100 off just 45 balls. Chasing 250, Afridi smashed 10 fours and nine sixes to lead Pakistan to an impressive victory with 47 balls to spare. His record-breaking innings against their biggest rivals earned him the Player of the Match award.
1. Shahid Afridi – 37 balls vs Sri Lanka, 1996
Shahid Afridi still holds the record for the fastest century by a Pakistani batsman in ODIs, having scored 102 off just 37 balls against Sri Lanka in 1996. In only his second ODI, Afridi’s incredible display of power hitting featured six fours and 11 sixes. His match-winning knock helped Pakistan win by 82 runs, and Afridi was named Player of the Match for his extraordinary performance.