Fastest Centuries in Cricket History
From Test cricket's quickest hundreds to T20 fireworks, these are the fastest centuries ever scored and the circumstances that made them possible.
Scoring a century is one of cricket's greatest individual achievements. Scoring one quickly adds another dimension — the batter must maintain strike rate without sacrificing discipline. The fastest centuries in cricket history have been scored under pressure, in favourable conditions, or simply when a supremely talented batter was in their finest hour.
Fastest Test Century: 54 Balls
Misbah-ul-Haq equalled Jack Noreika's record for the fastest Test century (54 balls) against Australia in Abu Dhabi in 2014. Misbah's hundred came off 56 deliveries after reaching his century with four consecutive sixes in one over, equalling the long-standing record. The innings was remarkable given Misbah's reputation as a conservative player — conditions, match situation and confidence converged.
Fastest ODI Century: 31 Balls
AB de Villiers scored the fastest ODI century off just 31 balls against West Indies in Johannesburg in 2015. He reached his hundred in 16 overs with South Africa chasing a modest total but playing for rapid run accumulation. The innings included 16 sixes. De Villiers described it as one of those rare occasions when every shot connected exactly as intended.
Conditions for a Fast Century
The fastest centuries share common conditions: flat pitches, small boundaries, tired or depleted bowling attacks, and match situations where the team is already in a winning position so the batter can attack freely. Very few record-fast centuries have been scored under genuine pressure — most occur when the game's outcome is already decided.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest century in Test cricket?
The fastest Test century was scored off 54 balls — a record shared by Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan vs Australia, 2014) and Jack Noreika (New Zealand vs England, 1932).
Who scored the fastest ODI century?
AB de Villiers scored the fastest ODI century off 31 balls against West Indies in Johannesburg in January 2015.