Rahmanullah Gurbaz Sets Record with Fastest ODI Century for Afghanistan Against India

Gurbaz's Historic Century

In a remarkable display of batting, Rahmanullah Gurbaz achieved a stunning century off just 48 balls during the first ODI of the three-match series against India, held at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Saturday. This milestone makes him the first Afghan cricketer to score a century in under 50 balls, marking the fastest ODI ton by an Afghan player. He broke the previous record of 72 balls set by Karim Sadiq in March 2012 against the Netherlands in Sharjah. Additionally, this century is the second quickest against India in ODI history, placing Gurbaz alongside Shahid Afridi, who was the first to accomplish this feat against the Men in Blue in less than 50 balls.

Fastest ODI Centuries Against India

1. Shahid Afridi: 102 off 45 balls (2005)
2. Rahmanullah Gurbaz: 102 off 48 balls (2026)
3. AB de Villiers: 119 off 57 balls (2015)
4. AB de Villiers: 102 off 58 balls (2010)
5. Michael Bracewell: 140 off 57 balls (2023)

Moreover, Gurbaz has now become the first Afghan player to reach 10 international centuries, joining Rahmat Shah, Ibrahim Zadran, and Muhammad Shahzad, who have all scored more than five centuries.

Top Afghan Batters with International Centuries

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz: 10
2. Rahmat Shah: 8
3. Ibrahim Zadran: 7
4. Mohammad Shahzad: 7

Despite Afghanistan losing early wickets during the rain-shortened match, with Gurnoor Brar dismissing Ibrahim Zadran and Arshdeep Singh taking two wickets to leave the team at 26/3, Gurbaz remained unfazed. Utilizing his IPL experience, he struck eight fours and eight sixes, with some shots benefiting from the high altitude of Dharamsala. After contributing 71% of his team's runs, he was eventually bowled out for 102 off 51 balls by Nitish Kumar Reddy.