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In just 31 balls AB de Villiers scores fastest ODI century ever

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AB de Villiers took 31 balls to smash the fastest century in one-day internationals on Sunday as South Africa posted 439 for two wickets, their highest team total in this format, in the second ODI against West Indies at the Wanderers.

South African AB de Villiers smashed the fastest ever one-day century in 31 balls against the West Indies at The Wanderers on Sunday.

After coming to the wicket following a massive 247-run opening stand between Hashim Amla and Rilee Rossouw, De Villiers compounded the tourist’ misery as he belted eight fours and 11 massive sixes to beat the previous record of 36 balls by New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson against West Indies last year.

Described by retired Australian stumper Adam Gilchrist as the “most valuable cricketer on the planet” earlier this week, de Villiers blasted 16 sixes and nine fours in his blistering 44-ball knock of 149, bettering New Zealander Corey Anderson’s 36-ball century against West Indies last year.

The 30-year-old right-hander went down on his knees and slog-swept Jason Holder over deep mid-wicket for his 10th six to bring up his century before raising his bat and taking off his helmet with a broad smile on his face.

Fastest half century as well

Coming out to bat after a 247-run opening stand between Hashim Amla (153 not out) and Rilee Rossouw (128), de Villiers set a new record for the fastest half-century as well.

He reached the milestone in 16 balls, improving the previous best mark of Sri Lankan Sanath Jayasuriya against Pakistan in 1996 by a delivery.

Known for his improvisation, the Proteas ODI captain manufactured big shots and cleared the boundary at will, equaling the world record for 16 sixes in an ODI innings.

He was eventually out in the final over of the innings, one run away from shattering the record for fastest 150, currently held by Australian Shane Watson who reached the mark in 83 balls against Bangladesh.

Rossouw struck his maiden ODI century with a relatively sedate 128 from 115 deliveries, while Amla registered his highest ODI score from 142 balls.

South Africa lead the five-match series 1-0 after a 69-run win in the opening game in Durban on Friday.

South Africa beat their previous highest 50-over score of 438 at the same ground against Australia in 2006.

Recently, South Africa was also defeated by West Indies (1-2) in the T-20 tournament.

The line up

The Line-up for the second One Day International between South Africa and West Indies on Sunday in Johannesburg, South Africa was as below,

West Indies won toss and decided to bowl
South Africa: Hashim Amla (capt), Rilee Rossouw, Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers, David Miller, Jean-Paul Duminy, Farhaan Behardien, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir
West Indies: Dwayne Smith, Chris Gayle, Leon Johnson, Marlon Samuels, Denesh Ramdin, Jonathan Carter, Darren Sammy, Andre Russell, Jason Holder (capt), Jerome Taylor, Sulieman Benn
Referees: Steve Davis (Umpire), Adrian Holdstock (Umpire), Sundaram Ravi (TV umpire), Chris Broad (Match referee)

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