Shahid Afridi's fastest century was scored off just 37 balls in a One Day International (ODI) match against Sri Lanka on October 4, 1996. This remarkable feat, achieved in only his second ODI, stunned the cricketing world and stood as the fastest century in ODI history for many years.
The Record-Breaking Innings
On that historic day, Shahid Afridi announced his arrival on the international stage with an explosive display of power hitting. Playing against Sri Lanka in the KCA Centenary Tournament at the Gymkhana Club Ground in Nairobi, Kenya, Afridi unleashed an onslaught that left spectators and opponents in awe. His innings was not just fast; it was a brutal demolition of the bowling attack, setting a new benchmark for aggressive batting in ODIs.
Afridi's innings was particularly significant because it came in only his second international appearance, showcasing his raw talent and fearless approach from the very beginning of his career. He surpassed the previous record held by Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya, who had scored a century off 48 balls earlier that year.
Key Highlights of the Knock
- Balls Faced for Century: 37
- Total Runs Scored: 102 (off 40 balls)
- Sixes: 11 (a world record for an ODI innings at the time)
- Fours: 6
- Opponent: Sri Lanka
- Venue: Gymkhana Club Ground, Nairobi, Kenya
- Date: October 4, 1996
- Tournament: KCA Centenary Tournament
This innings cemented Afridi's reputation as a dynamic all-rounder and earned him the nickname "Boom Boom" for his explosive batting style. The sheer audacity of hitting 11 sixes in an innings, combined with the rapid scoring rate, redefined what was thought possible in ODI cricket.
A Century of Records
Afridi's 37-ball century held the record for the fastest ODI hundred for over 17 years. It was eventually surpassed by Corey Anderson of New Zealand, who scored a century off 36 balls against West Indies in 2014, and then by AB de Villiers of South Africa, who achieved it in an astonishing 31 balls against West Indies in 2015. Despite being surpassed, Afridi's knock remains one of the most iconic and memorable innings in the history of One Day International cricket, a testament to his unique talent.
Afridi's Fastest Century at a Glance
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Balls Faced for Century | 37 |
| Total Runs Scored | 102 |
| Sixes | 11 |
| Fours | 6 |
| Opponent | Sri Lanka |
| Date | October 4, 1996 |
| Venue | Gymkhana Club Ground, Nairobi |
For more details on this historic match, you can refer to its detailed scorecard on ESPNcricinfo.
