Kevin O'Brien's World Cup Century: Cricket's Fastest

On 2 March 2011 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, Kevin O'Brien played one of the most extraordinary innings in World Cup history. Ireland, chasing 328 to beat England, seemed almost certain to lose. Then O'Brien came to the wicket and changed everything — scoring 113 from just 63 balls, with 13 fours and 6 sixes, to complete the biggest World Cup run chase at that point in history.

The Fastest World Cup Century

O'Brien reached his hundred from just 50 balls — at that point the fastest century in World Cup history, a record that still stands. He found the boundary with apparently effortless timing, driving, sweeping, and pulling with complete authority against an England attack that had no answer. Ireland won the match by three wickets — one of cricket's greatest upsets.

Context and Significance

This innings was not Ireland's only World Cup giant-killing act. They had beaten Pakistan at the 2007 World Cup in what was one of that tournament's biggest upsets. But the O'Brien innings against England — the favourites and full members — in front of a large crowd at a high-profile venue, carried enormous weight. It demonstrated unequivocally that Ireland deserved a higher status in world cricket.

O'Brien's Career

Kevin O'Brien went on to represent Ireland in ODIs, T20Is, and eventually Tests after they were awarded Full Member status in 2017. He played in Ireland's first-ever Test match against Pakistan in 2018. A hard-hitting lower-order batsman and useful seam bowler, he remained a cornerstone of Irish cricket across formats.