World Cup Records: Top 5 Fastest Hundreds by Indian Cricketers
Rohit Sharma rewrote the record books as Team India clinched a convincing eight-wicket victory against Afghanistan in Delhi during the ongoing ODI World Cup on Wednesday.
While chasing a target of 273 runs, the Men in Blue never seemed like they might lose the game. They reached the goal with 15 overs to spare. Rohit showcased his brilliance by scoring 131 runs from only 84 balls, smashing 16 boundaries and five sixes. This marked his seventh century in mega-events, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record of six tons.
What's more, it stands as the fastest century by an Indian batsman in the history of the World Cup, surpassing the previous record held by the former World Cup-winning skipper Kapil Dev.
With that accomplishment in mind, let's now explore the top 5 quickest centuries by Indian players in World Cup history.
5. Sachin Tendulkar - 84 balls vs Kenya (1999)
Sachin Tendulkar, the cricket legend, possesses nearly every imaginable batting record. His unwavering passion for the sport took center stage when he joined the team just four days after his father's passing to deliver one of the most remarkable performances of his career.
In the 1999 World Cup in Bristol, Tendulkar struck a brilliant hundred in just 84 balls against Kenya. This incredible effort contributed to the team posting a formidable total of 329/2 in their allotted 50 overs. Tendulkar remained unbeaten on 140 from just 101 deliveries, featuring 16 boundaries and three sixes. In reply, Kenya managed only 235/7, falling short by 94 runs.
Tendulkar's century in 84 balls stands as the fifth fastest hundred by an Indian batsman in the history of the World Cups.
4. Virat Kohli - 83 balls vs Bangladesh (2011)
The former Indian captain arrived at the 2011 World Cup as a newcomer, yet to make his mark in the cricketing world. However, Virat Kohli offered a glimpse of what was to come with a stunning century against Bangladesh.
In Mirpur, the Indian team got off to a strong start thanks to Virender Sehwag. Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir departed after making good starts, paving the way for Kohli to take the crease.
The young right-handed batsman, brimming with potential, went all out, smashing the Bangladeshi bowlers to all parts of the ground. Kohli reached the century mark in just 83 balls, making it the fourth-fastest by an Indian batsman in World Cup history.
Fueled by Kohli unbeaten 100 and Sehwag 175, India posted a formidable 370/4 in their 50 overs. Munaf Patel shone with a four-wicket haul as Bangladesh managed only 283/9.
3. Virender Sehwag - 81 balls vs Bermuda (2007)
The former Indian opener, Virender Sehwag, was known for his aggressive batting. He once scored his fastest ODI World Cup century while batting at No. 3 against the underdog team, Bermuda, in Port of Spain.
When India batted first, they lost Robin Uthappa in the second over, and that's when Sehwag stepped onto the field. The Delhi-born cricketer hit boundaries all over the place and reached his century in just 81 balls. This achievement marked the third-fastest century by an Indian batsman in a World Cup match.
India put on a fantastic batting display against Bermuda, amassing a total of 413/5 in their 50 overs. In response, Bermuda struggled and were bowled out for just 156 runs. Ajit Agarkar and Anil Kumble each took three wickets in the process.
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2. Kapil Dev - 72 balls vs Zimbabwe (1983)
Kapil Dev, the former captain, is renowned for his significant influence on Indian cricket through his exceptional all-around skills. He crafted numerous match-winning performances for his nation, with one of the most remarkable instances occurring during the 1983 World Cup against Zimbabwe.
In that game, Kapil stepped onto the pitch when the scoreboard showed a precarious 17/5. He delivered a magnificent century that left the packed crowd at Tunbridge Wells in awe. With an outstanding 175-run innings, he single-handedly carried the Indian team to a total of 266 runs. The legendary all-rounder struck 16 boundaries and cleared the ropes six times on a field where the Indian top order had crumbled.
Kapil achieved his century in just 72 balls, making it the second-fastest century by an Indian batsman in the history of multi-nation tournaments.
In response, Zimbabwe could only manage to score 235 runs, resulting in a 31-run victory for India.
1. Rohit Sharma - 63 vs Afghanistan (2023)
In a stunning performance against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Indian captain Rohit Sharma shattered numerous records. This remarkable feat followed a disappointing six-ball duck against Australia in Chennai, with the added responsibility of Shubman Gill being sidelined due to dengue.
Rohit, determined to make amends, went all out from the get-go in their pursuit of 273 runs. He reached his half-century in just 30 balls and then shifted into high gear to reach his 31st ODI century in a mere 63 deliveries. Notably, this is the fastest century ever scored by an Indian batsman in the history of the World Cup.
When Rohit was eventually dismissed in the 26th over, he had amassed a remarkable 131 runs from only 84 balls, featuring 16 boundaries and five impressive sixes. The partnership of Ishan Kishan, who contributed 47 runs, and Virat Kohli, who remained unbeaten with 55 runs, also played a significant role in India's victory, achieved with a whopping 90 balls to spare.
Conclusion -
In the exhilarating world of cricket, Indian players have etched their names in history with blazing centuries. These records, encapsulating the essence of speed and skill, remind us of cricket's thrilling moments. And just like these rapid-fire centuries, the Fast Live Line app and website provide cricket enthusiasts with real-time updates, keeping you at the forefront of the action. For a cricket live line that's as quick as the players themselves, trust the Live Line Guru. Stay connected, stay updated, and experience cricket like never before.
