# From Glenn Maxwell to Kevin O Brien Top 5 Fastest Centuries in ODI World Cup History

> From Glenn Maxwell 40 ball record blitz in 2023 to iconic knocks by AB de Villiers and Kevin O Brien, here are the top 5 fastest centuries in ODI World Cup history.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Cricket · **Published:** 2026-08-02 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/cricket/glenn-maxwell-se-kevin-o-brien-taka-vanade-vishva-kapa-men-sabase-kama-gendon-para-shataka-thokane-vale-dhakara-ballebaja-12964 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Cricket, ODI World Cup, Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers, Kevin O Brien, Aiden Markram, Fastest Century

The One Day International (ODI) World Cup has always been the ultimate stage for monumental encounters and breathtaking individual efforts. In this high-stakes tournament where pressure reaches its peak, certain legendary batters have turned intense situations into opportunities for dominance by tearing apart opposition bowling attacks. Over the decades, cricket fans have witnessed phenomenal innings that transformed the course of matches within just a few overs. The list of the top five fastest centuries scored in ODI World Cup history represents extraordinary skill, fearlessness, and absolute command over the game. From setting giant totals to pulling off improbable run chases, these five lightning-quick hundreds left an indelible mark on World Cup history.

## Glenn Maxwell 40-Ball Blitz for Australia in 2023
During the 2023 ODI World Cup, the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi witnessed an unprecedented spectacle of explosive batting. Coming to the crease in the final phase of Australia innings against Netherlands, Glenn Maxwell unleashed a relentless assault from the moment he walked out. Utilizing his full repertoire of inventive strokeplay, including his trademark reverse sweeps and towering hits over the boundary, Maxwell dismantled the Netherlands bowling attack.

Maxwell reached his century off just 40 balls, setting the record for the fastest century ever recorded in ODI World Cup history. He finished his exhilarating knock with 106 runs off 44 deliveries. This fearless and destructive performance established a fresh benchmark for aggressive power-hitting in modern limited-overs cricket.

## Aiden Markram 49-Ball Century Against Sri Lanka
Just 18 days prior to Glenn Maxwell historic effort, the same venue at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi saw South Africa Aiden Markram rewrite the record books. Playing against Sri Lanka in their 2023 World Cup clash, Markram delivered a masterclass in clean striking, combining pristine timing with immense power.

Markram brought up his hundred in only 49 balls, eventually scoring 106 runs off 54 deliveries to propel South Africa to a colossal team total. Until Maxwell surpassed him less than three weeks later, Markram 49-ball ton held the title of the fastest century in ODI World Cup history.

## Kevin O Brien 50-Ball Miracle Knock in 2011
When considering the most heroic and audacious centuries in World Cup history, Kevin O Brien masterpiece for Ireland stands right at the top. At the 2011 World Cup held at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, England set Ireland a formidable target of 328 runs. With Ireland staring at near-certain defeat, the pink-haired Kevin O Brien walked in and launched a stunning counter-attack against England star-studded bowling attack.

O Brien reached a sensational century off just 50 balls and went on to score a match-winning 113 runs from 63 deliveries. Powered by his historic innings, Ireland accomplished the biggest upset in World Cup history by chasing down the massive total. O Brien record stood unbroken for 12 long years.

## Glenn Maxwell 51-Ball Century at Sydney in 2015
Glenn Maxwell holds the rare distinction of appearing twice in the elite list of the fastest World Cup centuries. During the 2015 World Cup at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Maxwell put on a show against Sri Lanka by attacking bowlers with unmatched creativity and confidence.

Executing extraordinary and unorthodox shots to every corner of the field, Maxwell raced to his maiden World Cup century in just 51 balls. He completed a magnificent 102 runs off 53 balls, laying the foundation for a dominant team performance by Australia.

## AB de Villiers 52-Ball 360-Degree Masterclass
South Africa legendary dynamic batsman AB de Villiers, widely celebrated as Mr 360 Degree, crafted one of the most unforgettable innings in cricket history. Facing West Indies at the Sydney Cricket Ground during the 2015 World Cup, de Villiers produced a batting display of pure genius that left spectators and opponents in sheer awe.

Finding boundaries in every direction, de Villiers achieved his hundred in a mere 52 balls. He continued his rampage to remain unbeaten on 162 runs off just 66 deliveries, creating one of the defining highlights of ODI World Cup history.

## What this means for you
**For Cricket Fans:** These records highlight how aggressive power-hitting has revolutionized modern ODI cricket, turning high-pressure encounters into dynamic spectacles.

**For Aspiring Players:** These innings showcase the power of fearlessness, precise timing, and innovative shot selection during high-stakes situations.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. Who holds the record for the fastest century in ODI World Cup history?
Glenn Maxwell holds the record, scoring a century off just 40 balls against the Netherlands during the 2023 World Cup.

### 2. How many balls did Aiden Markram take to score his World Cup century?
South Africa Aiden Markram completed his century off 49 balls against Sri Lanka in the 2023 World Cup at Delhi.

### 3. Against which team did Kevin O Brien score his 50-ball World Cup century?
Kevin O Brien scored his historic 50-ball century against England in Bengaluru during the 2011 World Cup.

### 4. Which batsman appears twice in the list of fastest World Cup centuries?
Glenn Maxwell appears twice in the list, with a 40-ball century in 2023 and a 51-ball century in 2015.

### 5. How many runs did AB de Villiers score against West Indies in the 2015 World Cup?
AB de Villiers reached his century in 52 balls and finished with an unbeaten 162 runs off 66 deliveries.

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