A century in the World Cup cements you in the sport's history!
Glenn Maxwell unleashed a batting spectacle in Australia's 2023 World Cup clash with the Netherlands, setting a new record for the fastest hundred in the tournament's history. Maxwell's blitzkrieg took just 40 deliveries, eclipsing Aiden Markram's 49-ball tonne earlier in the same venue. The Aussie dynamo's onslaught powered his team to a colossal 399/8. Australia, aiming for a third consecutive victory, overpowered the Netherlands. Maxwell's pyrotechnics now etch his name in the pantheon of the tournament's fastest centuries, joining a list of iconic knocks that have left an indelible mark on the ODI World Cup's rich history.
In Australia's 2023 World Cup clash with the Netherlands, Glenn Maxwell's entrance at 266/4 signalled a cricketing spectacle. Unfazed by Warner's departure, Maxwell showcased elegance and power, unleashing authentic shots. His innings gained momentum with effortless reverse hits, culminating in a half-century off 27 deliveries. Maxwell's ferocity peaked against Bas de Leede, setting a record for most runs conceded in an ODI innings. The finale featured a towering heave, propelling Maxwell to a record-breaking century in just 40 deliveries. His breathtaking 106 off 44 balls, adorned with six fours and eight sixes, left an unquestionable mark on the match.
Aiden Markram's batting elegance unfolded in South Africa's 2023 World Cup opener against Sri Lanka. Joining the crease at 214/2, Markram's sublime drives down the ground echoed his intentions. His masterful use of the bottom hand effortlessly carved picturesque shots to the off-side boundary. Markram's half-century in 34 deliveries set the stage, but his record-breaking hundred stole the show. A mere 15 deliveries later, he reached the milestone, dominating the 43rd over with a stunning 26 runs against Matheesha Pathirana. Markram's exhibition culminated in a breathtaking 106 off 54 balls, adorned with 14 fours and three sixes.
In a defining moment of the ODI World Cup, Kevin O'Brien etched his name in history during Ireland's 2011 clash with England in Bengaluru. Faced with a daunting 328-run target, Ireland stumbled at 111/5. Entering at number 4, O'Brien opted for an audacious counter-attack that perplexed England's bowlers. His spectacular innings saw him carve the then-fastest ODI World Cup hundred in just 50 deliveries, surpassing Matthew Hayden's 2007 record. Though O'Brien ran out for 113 off 63 balls, O'Brien's onslaught paved the way for a stunning upset as John Mooney and Trent Johnston sealed victory with five deliveries to spare.
Just days before Maxwell's near-record-breaking feat, AB de Villiers set Sydney ablaze, showcasing South Africa's batting prowess against the West Indies. After Faf du Plessis and Hashim Amla's solid partnership, de Villiers, joined by Rilee Rossouw, unleashed a ferocious onslaught, stunning fans with an array of shots, especially those backward of square. Rossouw's quick 61 seemed overshadowed as de Villiers hammered a 52-ball hundred. The onslaught continued, breaking records as he obliterated Jason Holder to set the fastest ODI 150. The innings concluded at an unbeaten 66-ball 162, guiding South Africa to a colossal 408/5 and leaving the West Indies astounded at 151.
These players helped their teams get through slumps, which would otherwise have indeed been match-enders. While cricket is a team game, these men have single-handedly made opposition bowling attacks shake. In a limited game, a century is a remarkable achievement, but scoring it at the highest stage is even more commendable. Especially in this case, when they were scored as fast as this!
