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16-Year-Old Shahid Afridi Shattered ODI Records With 37-Ball 100 Vs Sri Lanka On This Day

Shahid Afridi holds the record for third-fastest ODI century with a blistering knock in 1996 (@TheHeavyTrainer/X.com)Shahid Afridi holds the record for third-fastest ODI century with a blistering knock in 1996 (@TheHeavyTrainer/X.com)

On this day, October 4, 28 years ago, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi stunned the cricketing world with a record-breaking century in an ODI match against Sri Lanka. In just 37 balls, Afridi reached his hundred during the 1996 KCA Centenary Tournament, marking the fastest century in ODI cricket at the time.

In 1996, KCA Centenary Tournament featured Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Kenya in a unique four-team format. During the Sri Lanka-Pakistan clash in Nairobi, Shahid Afridi went ballistic to score a record breaking century.

When Shahid Afridi played a historic knock at just 16 years of age

Pakistan was put into bat first after losing the toss. Afridi entered the crease at number three. While Pakistan captain Saeed Anwar anchored one end, Afridi unleashed an aggressive innings, scoring 102 runs off just 40 balls, including six fours and 11 sixes. Afridi and Anwar combined for a 126-run partnership, which helped Pakistan post a commanding total of 371/9 in 50 overs.

Afridi's hundred came in just 37 balls, marking it the fastest ODI century of that time. His record stood unchallenged for 18 years until New Zealand's Corey Anderson surpassed it with a 36-ball century against the West Indies in 2014. A year later, South Africa's AB de Villiers rewrote history with a 31-ball ton against the same opposition.

Shahid Afridi also set another record that day, becoming the youngest player to score an ODI century at just 16 years and 217 days old. 

Meanwhile, in response, Sri Lanka's batting struggled early, losing four wickets for just 27 runs. Aravinda de Silva and captain Arjuna Ranatunga provided some resistance, but Sri Lanka ultimately fell short in the run chase.

The highlight of the contest was undoubtedly Shahid Afridi as it was the beginning of an extraordinary legacy that still remains unmatched in Pakistan cricket.