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One-Day Internationals (ODIs) have always offered a mix of cautious strategy and aggressive play, a format that bridges the gap between the explosiveness of T20s and the patience of Tests. Over the years, Pakistan has produced several breathtaking knocks in ODIs, with batters showcasing their power-hitting capabilities.
On November 26, 2024, Saim Ayub joined the elite club of Pakistan’s fastest centurions by smashing a 53-ball hundred against Zimbabwe, helping Pakistan seal a dominant victory. His stunning innings etched his name alongside some of Pakistan’s greatest power-hitters, including Shahid Afridi, who dominates this list.
Let’s take a look at the top five fastest centuries in ODIs for Pakistan:
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5) Sharjeel Khan – 61 balls vs Ireland, 2016
The hard-hitting left-hander made waves with his explosive batting during his short ODI career. In a rain-affected match against Ireland, Sharjeel Khan blasted a 61-ball century, finishing with 152 runs off 86 balls, including 16 fours and 9 sixes. His efforts powered Pakistan to a massive 337-run total.
4) Shahid Afridi – 53 balls vs Bangladesh, 2010
Shahid Afridi, a name synonymous with fearless cricket, scored one of his many quickfire tons against Bangladesh during the Asia Cup 2010. He brought up his century in just 53 balls, smashing 124 off 60 deliveries, with 17 fours and 4 sixes. Pakistan posted a mammoth 385 runs in that match, thanks to Afridi’s fireworks.
3) Saim Ayub – 53 balls vs Zimbabwe, 2024
On a historic day in Bulawayo, Saim Ayub delivered a scintillating knock to lead Pakistan to victory. Chasing a modest target of 146, Saim wasted no time and hammered a 53-ball century, staying unbeaten on 113 off 62 balls. His innings featured 17 boundaries and 3 sixes, securing Pakistan’s win in style.
2) Shahid Afridi – 45 balls vs India, 2005
One of the most memorable innings in Pakistan cricket history, Afridi smashed a blistering 45-ball century against arch-rivals India in Kanpur. Chasing 250, Afridi’s knock, laced with 10 fours and 9 sixes, made a mockery of the target, solidifying his reputation as a big-game player.
1) Shahid Afridi – 37 balls vs Sri Lanka, 1996
Topping the list is Afridi’s iconic knock in Nairobi during his second ODI match. At just 16 years old, Afridi rewrote history with a 37-ball century, which included 6 fours and 11 sixes. This record-breaking innings remains the fastest ODI hundred for Pakistan and one of the fastest in world cricket.
