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One-Day Internationals (ODIs) strike a balance between the flamboyance of T20Is and the resilience of Test cricket. This dynamic format allows players to adapt based on the situation—whether it’s going hard from ball one or pacing their innings strategically.
Some cricketers, however, elevate the format by smashing records with breathtaking performances. On Tuesday, Saim Ayub joined this elite group, scoring a sensational 53-ball century against Zimbabwe to seal a memorable win for Pakistan. This knock etched his name in the record books as the joint third-fastest ODI century by a Pakistan player.
Top 5 Fastest ODI Centuries for Pakistan
5. Sharjeel Khan – 61 Balls vs Ireland (2016)
Sharjeel Khan, an explosive southpaw, showcased his destructive batting in a rain-affected match against Ireland. He smashed a 61-ball century, helping Pakistan post 337 runs. Sharjeel went on to score 152 off 86 balls, a career-defining performance that unfortunately remains an outlier in his otherwise brief international stint.
4. Shahid Afridi – 53 Balls vs Bangladesh (2010)
The maverick all-rounder Shahid Afridi dominated Bangladesh during the 2010 Asia Cup, hammering a 53-ball century. His innings of 124 off 60 balls included 17 fours and 4 sixes, helping Pakistan post a mammoth 385 runs in the match.
3. Saim Ayub – 53 Balls vs Zimbabwe (2024)
The latest entrant to the list, Saim Ayub, lit up November 26, 2024, with a breathtaking 53-ball century against Zimbabwe. Chasing a modest target of 146, the southpaw remained unbeaten on 113 off 62 balls, including 17 fours and 3 sixes, finishing the game in style and cementing his place in Pakistan’s ODI history.
2. Shahid Afridi – 45 Balls vs India (2005)
Another Shahid Afridi special, this time against arch-rivals India in Kanpur. Chasing a target of 250, Afridi made a mockery of the bowling attack with a blistering 45-ball ton. His knock, studded with 10 fours and 9 sixes, remains one of the most iconic performances in ODI cricket.
1. Shahid Afridi – 37 Balls vs Sri Lanka (1996)
At the top of the list is Shahid Afridi’s legendary 37-ball century against Sri Lanka in Nairobi, 1996. Playing in just his second ODI, Afridi stunned the world with his aggressive stroke play, scoring 102 runs off 40 balls, featuring 6 fours and 11 sixes. This knock redefined ODI batting and set a benchmark for aggressive cricket long before T20 cricket became a phenomenon.
Saim Ayub: The Future of Pakistan Cricket
By joining the ranks of Shahid Afridi and Sharjeel Khan, Saim Ayub has proven his potential as one of Pakistan’s most exciting young talents. His fearless approach and ability to dominate the bowlers make him a vital cog in Pakistan’s white-ball setup.
As Pakistan continues to nurture emerging stars, Ayub’s heroics will inspire a new generation to push boundaries and make their mark in international cricket.
