The highly anticipated ODI World Cup 2023, the pinnacle of cricket tournaments, is just around the corner, and fans are eagerly anticipating the return of their favorite teams and players to the field. This prestigious championship boasts a rich five-decade history, with only six teams ever claiming the title. The 2023 World Cup promises another thrilling showdown among the world's top ten cricket teams, thanks to the ODI format and the high-stakes nature of the tournament, which caters to fans of all preferences.
At times, World Cup matches surpass even T20 games in terms of explosive batting and intensity. While centuries are a common occurrence in the World Cup, scoring a quick hundred remains a rare feat due to the pressure of the event. Not every player can handle the challenge, but some are undoubtedly exceptional. In this edition of the World Cup, there has been a run feast for the batter of all the teams. The World Cup 2023 have already seen few upsets as well as several records falling. Let us know look at top five fastest centuries in the current edition of World Cup;
Rohit Sharma vs Afghanistan (63 balls)
The India captain, Rohit Sharma scored his 31st ODI century during the 2023 World Cup match against Afghanistan at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium. Rohit's remarkable century came in just 63 balls, setting a new record for the fastest century by an Indian in World Cup history. The previous record was held by Kapil Dev, who achieved a century in 72 balls against Zimbabwe in 1983. Rohit's exceptional performance helped India chase down Afghanistan's target of 273, securing an eight-wicket victory.
Heinrich Klaasen vs England (61 balls)
In a match against England in Mumbai, South Africa's Heinrich Klaasen achieved his first ODI World Cup century in just 61 balls, ranking as the fifth fastest century in World Cup history. Klaasen's explosive innings featured 12 fours and four sixes, leaving the English bowlers struggling to contain him. His century played a crucial role in South Africa's victory, resulting in one of the most dominant all-around performances in recent memory. South Africa posted an imposing total of 399/7, leading to England's biggest-ever loss in ODI cricket by a margin of 229 runs.
Travis Head vs New Zealand (59 balls)
Travis Head made a remarkable comeback from injury in the 2023 World Cup, scoring a dynamic century against New Zealand. In his World Cup debut, the star opener notched up 109 runs from a mere 67 balls, contributing to Australia's total of 388 runs at Dharamsala's HPCA Stadium. Despite his recent injury, the 29-year-old left-handed batsman displayed superb form and showed no signs of rustiness. Head and David Warner combined for a formidable 175-run opening partnership within the initial 20 overs, with Head achieving his first-ever World Cup century in just 59 deliveries.
Aiden Markram vs Sri Lanka (49 balls)
Aiden Markram of South Africa achieved the record for the second-fastest century in the 2023 World Cup. Markram reached his hundred in a mere 49 balls during South Africa's opening match against Sri Lanka. His explosive innings concluded with 106 runs from 56 deliveries, contributing to South Africa's imposing total of over 400 against the formidable 1996 World Cup-winning Sri Lankan team.
Glenn Maxwell vs Netherlands (40 balls)
In the 2023 ODI Cricket World Cup, Australia's Glenn Maxwell set a new record for the fastest century in the tournament. Aiden Markram of South Africa had recently broken a decade-old record, but Maxwell surpassed it effortlessly. Maxwell achieved his century in an astonishing 40 balls, establishing one of the fastest centuries in international cricket. In the match against the Netherlands at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell hammered an impressive 106 runs in only 44 deliveries, featuring nine fours and eight sixes. His remarkable achievement is likely to stand as a World Cup record that may never be surpassed.