The 2023 ODI World Cup has been a visual feast for cricket fans, with several records being broken in the opening few games. Aiden Markram of South Africa set the most notable one against Sri Lanka when he scored the quickest century in World Cup history. He surpassed the previous record of 50 balls set by Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien by reaching the milestone in just 49 balls. South Africa’s 438 for 4 total, the greatest ever in a World Cup game, was made possible by Markram’s blitzkrieg.
Although there are a number of other powerful batters in this tournament who might challenge him, his record could not endure for long. These are the five players including India’s Suryakumar Yadav that may score the quickest century in World Cup history.
1. Jos Buttler
One of the most destructive hitters in the game, Jos Buttler is capable of scoring 100 runs in the space of a single second. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, he shown his class, although he has not yet reached his full potential. He can take on any bowling attack and make them pay if he gets off to a strong start and on a level field. His ODI century against Pakistan, which he achieved in just 46 balls, holds the record for the quickest by an English player. Suryakumar Yadav can repeat that performance in the World Cup and topple Aiden Markram’s mark for the tournament’s quickest century.
2. Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav is an exceptional batsman known for his fearlessness and flair in changing the game with his explosive hitting. Suryakumar Yadav has made a remarkable impression in T20Is and IPL by scoring quick-fire fifties. Despite limited experience in the 50-over format, he has earned a spot in India’s squad for the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup. Suryakumar has the potential to be a game-changer for India in the tournament, capable of making a significant impact if given the opportunity to play. With his ability to score centuries in record time, he may even challenge Aiden Markram’s fastest century record in the World Cup.
3. Heinrich Klaasen
Heinrich Klaasen, the talented right-handed batter and wicket-keeper for the Proteas, is a strong contender to surpass Aiden Markram’s record. He has displayed excellent form in both T20 and ODI cricket in 2023, notably achieving a rapid hundred against Australia on home soil. Additionally, Klaasen possesses exceptional skills when facing spin, making him even more valuable in subcontinent conditions where the World Cup is being hosted.
4. Glenn Maxwell
Although Australian all-rounder Maxwell achieved a remarkable feat by scoring a hundred off just 51 balls against Sri Lanka in the 2015 World Cup, he is not the fastest to achieve this milestone in the tournament’s history. Nonetheless, Maxwell’s recovery from a leg injury and current good form make him a formidable player. With his experience of batting in India, where the World Cup is being held, there is potential for him to break the record by achieving a hundred off even fewer than 49 balls with his explosive batting skills.
5. Jonny Bairstow
Matthew Hayden scored the fastest World Cup hundred by an opener in 2007, off 66 balls against South Africa. Jonny Bairstow, the England opener, has a chance to break that record with his aggressive batting style, his skill in exploiting the fielding restrictions, and the favorable conditions in India.