AB De Villiers hits record-breaking ODI century 

 

 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, before restricting the tourists to 291 for seven in their 50 overs to take a 2-0 lead in the second ODI against West Indies at the Wanderers.

 AB de Villiers reputation for destroying attacks was never under question. The South African super-bat has wreaked havoc around the world with his ability to make any bowling attack look ordinary. Even his own bowlers ,at times (against Dale Steyn in IPL 2014). But for anyone with a modicum of doubt regarding the right-hander's tremendous ability for sending the opposition on a leather-hunt, his knock would've effortlessly quashed the doubts flat.

 Described by retired Australian stumper Adam Gilchrist as the "most valuable cricketer of the planet" earlier this week, de villers blasted 16 sixes and nine fours in his blistering 44-ball knock of 149, bettering New Zealender 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 to bring his century before raising his bat and taking off his helment with a broad smile on his face.

 Coming out to bat after a 247-run opening stand between Hasim 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 improvistation, the Proteas ODI captain manufracted big shots and cleared the boundary at will, equalling the world record 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 beat their previous highest 50-over score of 438 at the same ground against Australia in 2006.

 A list of the fastest century makers in one-day international cricket.

 1) AB de Villiers (South Africa)-31 balls against West Indies in Johannesburg on Jan.18, 2015

 2) Corey Anderson (New Zealand)-36 balls against West Indies in Queenstwon on Jan.1, 2014.

 3) Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)-37 balls against Sri Lanka in Nairobi on Oct. 4,196.

 4) Mark Boucher (South Africa)-44 balls against Zimbave in Potchefstroom on Sep.20,2006.

 5) Brain Lara (West Indies)-45 balls against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Oct.9, 1999.

 6) Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)-45 balls against India in Kanpur on April.15, 2005.

 7) Jesse Ryder (New Zealand) -46 balls against West Indies in Queenstwon on Jan.1, 2014.

 8) Sanath Jayasuria (Sri Lanka)- 48 balls against Pakistan in Singapore on Apr.2, 1996.

 9) Kevin O'Brien (Ireland)-50 balls against England in Bangalore on Mar.2, 2011.

 10) Virat Kholi (India)_52 balls against Australia in Laipur on Oct.16, 2013.