On October 16, 2013, Kohli delivered an unforgettable performance in Jaipur. His explosive 52-ball century against Australia shocked the cricketing world and defined his status as a chase master. Kohli’s fastest century in ODI cricket remains one of his most celebrated achievements.
He is among the greatest cricketers of all time. Known for his consistency, composure, and ability to chase down impossible targets. Let’s explore the match, Kohli’s performance, and why this innings remains iconic.
The Setting: India vs. Australia, Jaipur (2013)
The stage for Kohli’s fastest century was the second ODI in a seven-match series. Australia, led by George Bailey, had posted an intimidating total of 359/5 in their 50 overs. It was a steep target, and India needed something extraordinary to chase it down.
India’s opening pair—Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma—stepped up to provide a blistering start. Their partnership of 176 runs laid the foundation. However, India still needed someone to accelerate the scoring rate to secure the win.
Kohli Walks In: A Game-Changing Moment
Virat Kohli came to the crease when Dhawan fell for 95 runs. At that moment, India’s chase was on track but far from secured. Kohli took just a few deliveries to settle in before launching one of the most breathtaking counter-attacks in ODI history.
Key Highlights of Virat’s Fastest Century:
- Balls Faced: 52 balls
- Runs Scored: 100*
- Boundaries: 8 fours, 7 sixes
- Strike Rate: 192.30
From the start, Kohli dominated the Australian bowlers. His clean hitting, smart shot placement, and incredible strike rotation left the opposition clueless. India eventually chased down the target in just 43.3 overs, with Kohli remaining unbeaten.
Why Kohli’s Century Was So Special
Kohli’s fastest century was not just about speed. It came during a high-pressure chase, highlighting his mental toughness and ability to rise to the occasion.
1. Performing Under Pressure
Chasing 360 runs in an ODI match is no small feat. Kohli stepped in when India needed quick runs and turned the game around. His calm demeanor and aggressive intent demonstrated his composure under pressure.
2. Solidifying His Role as a Chaser
Kohli’s unbeaten 100 reinforced his reputation as the best chaser in cricket. His ability to adapt, accelerate, and finish the game with confidence made this innings unforgettable.
3. A Milestone for Indian Cricket
Before this match, India had never successfully chased a target of 350+ runs. Kohli’s brilliance changed that, giving Indian cricket a new benchmark for successful high-score chases.
Fastest Centuries in ODI Cricket
Although Kohli’s 52-ball century is not the fastest ever, it remains one of the most impactful in a run chase. To provide context, here’s how it compares to other quick hundreds:
- AB de Villiers: 31 balls vs. West Indies (2015)
- Corey Anderson: 36 balls vs. West Indies (2014)
- Shahid Afridi: 37 balls vs. Sri Lanka (1996)
- Virat Kohli: 52 balls vs. Australia (2013)
While others achieved faster centuries, Kohli’s knock stood out because of the context—a massive chase, quality opposition, and the match situation.
Virat’s Fastest Century: Kohli, The Ultimate Chase Master
Virat Kohli has earned the title of “chase master” for a reason. His fastest century in Jaipur is a perfect example of how he adapts to pressure situations.
Kohli’s Chasing Record:
- Chasing Centuries: 26 centuries in successful ODI run chases—the highest ever.
- Average in Chases: Kohli averages over 65 in run chases, demonstrating his mastery in these situations.
Kohli’s ability to build partnerships, rotate the strike, and accelerate when needed makes him a nightmare for bowlers.
Virat Fastest Century | Impact on Kohli’s Career
Kohli’s fastest century was a career-defining moment. It demonstrated his ability to single-handedly change the course of a match. After this innings, his career skyrocketed. He went on to break several records in ODI cricket:
- Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 ODI runs.
- Surpassed cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar in achieving milestones quickly.
This knock gave Kohli the confidence to take on bigger challenges and solidified his place as one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time.
Final Thoughts on Virat Fastest Century
Virat Kohli’s fastest century in ODI cricket remains a landmark moment in his career. Scoring 100* off 52 balls against Australia during a daunting chase showcased his immense skill, determination, and ability to thrive under pressure.
This innings not only helped India achieve a historic win but also set new standards for chasing big targets. Kohli’s brilliance in Jaipur remains a timeless example of why he is celebrated as a modern cricket legend.
FAQs About Virat Fastest Century
Virat Kohli scored his fastest century in ODI cricket on October 16, 2013, against Australia in Jaipur. He reached his century in just 52 balls during a high-pressure chase of 360 runs.
Virat Kohli’s fastest century ODI cricket came off 52 balls against Australia in 2013. He scored 100* in a successful run chase of 360, helping India win the match.
Virat Kohli’s 52-ball century is one of the fastest in ODI cricket but is not the fastest overall. The record for the fastest century in ODI cricket is held by AB de Villiers, who scored a 31-ball century against West Indies in 2015.