OTD 1996: Shahid Afridi broke the record for the fastest hundred in one-day history

It was on October 4, 1996, when Shahid Afridi announced himself to the cricketing world in a way that was unthinkable at that time. Playing only his second ODI for Pakistan, Afridi, at just 16 years of age, hammered the then fastest century in the format, which came off just 37 balls.

This was the 6th game of the quadrangular series featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and South Africa in Nairobi. Pakistan faced off against Sri Lanka and were asked to bat first after Arjuna Ranatunga won the toss.

After the first wicket partnership added 60 runs, Shahid Afridi joined Saeed Anwar in the middle. The fans were left breathless when Afridi’s massive sixes struck the stadium roof one after another, pushing the crowded stadium to the edge of their seats. Afridi had a spectacular entrance into international cricket, taking Sanath Jayasuriya, Muthiah Muralidaran, and Kumar Dharmasena to the cleaners.

Afridi hammered a then-record 11 sixes and six fours in his innings, reaching his century in just 37 balls. He was dismissed by Sajeeva de Silva for 102 runs in 40 balls. Afridi whacked Jayasuriya for 28 runs in an over and also registered the second most runs scored in a single over in ODIs.

Afridi broke the record for the fastest century in ODIs at that time, a record which was previously held by Sanath Jayasuriya, who had struck a 48-ball ton for Sri Lanka against Pakistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan scored an incredible 371/9 on the back of Afridi’s carnage.

In response, Aravinda de Silva scored 122 and Kumar Dharmasena scored 51, but Sri Lanka could only reach 289. Afridi was deservedly  named Player of the Match after he also picked 1/43 with the ball to help Pakistan win by 82 runs.

Shahid Afridi went on to have a storied career, playing 27 Tests, 398 ODIs, and 99 T20Is from 1996 to 2018. In ODIs, he made 8064 runs at an average of 23.57 and strike rate of 117, including six centuries and 39 fifties, with the highest score of 124. He also took 395 wickets in 398 ODIs at an economy of 4.62, with nine five-wicket hauls, including the best bowling figure of 7/12.

Afridi’s record of a 37-ball ODI century stood till 2014, when Corey Anderson broke it by hitting a 36-ball century for New Zealand. The current record-holder for the fastest ODI century is AB de Villiers, who hammered a 31-ball century in his 149 for South Africa against the West Indies in 2015.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

For more exclusive updates, visit BJSports to access Exclusive News that is only for you, incisive analysis, and updates, and to keep up with all of the latest information on your favorite remarkable cricket playes and teams. To ensure you never miss out, join in on the fun right away