100 Runs: Cricket is a sport that continues to evolve, with players constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. One of the most incredible feats in modern cricket is scoring a century in just 30 balls. This milestone showcases extraordinary talent, timing, and power-hitting ability. The most prominent instance of such an achievement is by South African cricketer AB de Villiers.
AB de Villiers: The Record Holder
On January 18, 2015, AB de Villiers achieved this extraordinary feat against the West Indies at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg during an ODI match. He stunned cricket fans worldwide by reaching 100 runs off just 31 deliveries. His innings, which included a barrage of sixes and fours, is widely regarded as one of the greatest displays of batting in cricket history.
Here’s a summary of his iconic innings:
| Player | Team | Opponent | Date | Balls Faced for 100 Runs | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AB de Villiers | South Africa | West Indies | January 18, 2015 | 31 | Wanderers, Johannesburg |
Feat of Scoring 100 Runs in 30 Balls: Breakdown of the Innings
AB de Villiers’s remarkable knock was not only fast but also elegant. His innings included a wide array of strokes that mesmerized the crowd. Below is a breakdown of his century:
| Category | Number |
| Total Runs | 149 |
| Balls Faced | 44 |
| Fours | 9 |
| Sixes | 16 |
| Strike Rate | 338.63 |
Context of the Match
The match itself was a high-scoring affair. South Africa batted first and posted a mammoth total of 439/2 in their 50 overs, thanks to centuries by Hashim Amla, Rilee Rossouw, and AB de Villiers. The West Indies could not keep up with the required run rate, eventually losing the match by 148 runs.
| Team | Innings Total | Overs | Result |
| South Africa | 439/2 | 50 | Won by 148 runs |
| West Indies | 291 | 50 |
Historical Perspective
Before AB de Villiers, the record for the fastest ODI century was held by New Zealand’s Corey Anderson, who scored a century off 36 balls against the West Indies in 2014. AB de Villiers broke this record with ease, setting a new benchmark for explosive batting.
| Player | Team | Balls Faced for 100 Runs | Opponent | Date |
| Corey Anderson | New Zealand | 36 | West Indies | January 1, 2014 |
| Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 37 | Sri Lanka | October 4, 1996 |
Legacy of the Innings
AB de Villiers’s record-breaking innings has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. Known for his ability to innovate and adapt, he is affectionately called “Mr. 360” due to his ability to hit shots all around the ground. His 100 runs in 30 balls remain a testament to his unmatched skill and aggression.
This innings also highlighted the evolution of modern-day cricket, where boundaries and strike rates have become crucial aspects of the game. AB de Villiers’s feat continues to inspire cricketers worldwide to redefine the limits of the sport.
Conclusion
Scoring a century in 30 balls is an extraordinary achievement that few cricketers can dream of achieving. AB de Villiers’s innings stands as a landmark moment in cricket history, celebrated by fans and experts alike. As cricket continues to grow, this record serves as a benchmark for future generations to aspire to.