On Tuesday, November 26, in the second ODI between Zimbabwe and Pakistan at the Queen’s Sports Club, Bulawayo, Pakistan’s young opener Saim Ayub etched his name into history. With a scintillating century, he secured his place among the fastest ODI centurions for Pakistan, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning cricket career.
Here’s a look at the top five fastest ODI centuries by Pakistan batters:
5. Sharjeel Khan (61 Balls)
Sharjeel Khan announced his arrival on the international stage with a blistering century against Ireland in 2016 during Pakistan’s tour of the country. Reaching the milestone in just 61 balls, Sharjeel’s innings of 152 off 86 deliveries was a spectacle of aggressive stroke play. With 16 fours and 9 towering sixes, he dismantled the Irish bowling attack in Dublin. Pakistan secured a commanding 255-run victory in the match, with Sharjeel’s heroics earning him widespread acclaim.
4. Shahid Afridi (53 Balls)
Known for his explosive batting, Shahid Afridi delivered a memorable performance in the 2010 Asia Cup against Bangladesh. Smashing his way to a century in just 53 balls, Afridi dominated the opposition with an innings of 124 off 60 deliveries. Featuring 17 fours and 4 sixes, his knock was instrumental in Pakistan’s 139-run victory. Afridi also contributed with the ball, highlighting his all-round brilliance and earning the Player of the Match award.
3. Saim Ayub (53 Balls)
In a landmark performance, 22-year-old Saim joined the elite ranks of Pakistan’s fastest centurions during the second ODI against Zimbabwe. Facing just 53 balls to reach his maiden international hundred, Saim’s unbeaten knock of 113 off 62 balls included 17 fours and 3 sixes. His mature and aggressive approach ensured Pakistan cruised to a commanding 10-wicket victory. The innings, marked by elegance and power, earned Saim the Player of the Match award and signalled the emergence of a new star in Pakistan cricket.
Also READ: Twitter reactions: Saim Ayub’s maiden ton powers Pakistan to 10-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the 2nd ODI
2. Shahid Afridi (45 Balls)
Afridi once again showcased his unparalleled ability to decimate bowling attacks during the fifth ODI of Pakistan’s 2005 tour of India. Blasting his way to a century in just 45 balls, Afridi’s innings of 102 off 46 deliveries featured 10 fours and 9 sixes. This breathtaking knock played a crucial role in Pakistan’s five-wicket victory, reaffirming Afridi’s status as one of the most destructive hitters in world cricket.
1. Shahid Afridi (37 Balls)
The fastest century for Pakistan’s player in ODI history – and one of the most iconic in cricket – belongs to Afridi, who scored a sensational ton off just 37 balls against Sri Lanka in the 1996 KCA Centenary Tournament. Afridi’s blitzkrieg innings of 102 off 40 deliveries included 6 fours and 11 massive sixes, propelling Pakistan to an 82-run victory.
This record-breaking knock held the title of the fastest ODI century for 17 years, until it was surpassed by Corey Anderson in 2014 and later his record was broke by AB de Villiers in 2015. Afridi’s performance remains a defining moment in his illustrious career, showcasing why he is revered as one of the most dynamic batters in cricket history.