On this day in 2015, AB de Villiers struck the quickest century in ODI history. He’s our Legend of the Week.
It’s strange to think that De Villiers almost didn’t even stride out to bat when Rilee Rossouw departed for 128 in the second ODI against West Indies at the Wanderers. With the Proteas already on a commanding 247 after 38.3 overs, De Villiers suggested to coach Russell Domingo that David Miller goes out to bat to give them a strong finish. Ordered to walk out, De Villiers went mental. The first ball he faced went for four, and the rest is history.
First he reached the fastest fifty off just 16 balls – one less that Sanath Jayasuriya in 1996 – then he proceeded to blast the quickest hundred in ODI history, bettering Corey Anderson’s 36 deliveries by five balls, exactly a year after the New Zealander broke Shahid Afridi’s long-standing record.
The foundations were laid by Rossouw (128) and Hashim Amla (153 not out), before De Villiers went on to smash 149 off an incredible 44 deliveries. He hit nine fours and tied the record for the most sixes hit in an ODI knock – 16.
It was the first time three triple-figure scores were made in an ODI innings, as the Proteas coasted to 439. In reply West Indies could only manage 291-7.
See AB de Villiers’ record-breaking knock:
Photo: Gallo Images
