Scoring a century in One Day Internationals (ODIs) is a dream for any cricketer. But some extraordinary young talents achieved this feat before even turning 20. These players shocked the world with their maturity, fearless batting, and composure beyond their years. In this article, we look at the Top 10 Youngest Players Scoring a Century in ODI , highlighting their first-ever hundred, the match details, and the age at which they did it.
List of Top 10 Youngest Players Scoring a Century in ODI
10. Ahmed Shehzad

Ahmed Shehzad was just 19 years and 72 days old when he smashed his maiden ODI century for Pakistan against New Zealand in 2011. Known for his elegant stroke play and confident presence at the crease, Shehzad played a match-winning knock of 115 runs at Seddon Park, Hamilton. He displayed great composure and timing, helping Pakistan chase down a challenging total. This performance showed his ability to handle pressure and made him one of the Top 10 Youngest Players Scoring a Century in ODI.
Player | Country | Opponent | Age at Century | Score |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ahmed Shehzad | Pakistan | New Zealand | 19 years 72 days | 115 |
9. Rahmanullah Gurbaz

At just 19 years and 54 days, Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored a spectacular 127 runs against Ireland in 2021. Playing at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, he opened the innings with confidence, taking on the bowlers with fearless intent. His knock included boundaries and sixes that stunned the opposition. This innings not only made him a star in Afghanistan but also placed him firmly among the Top 10 Youngest Players Scoring a Century in ODI.
Player | Country | Opponent | Age at Century | Score |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Afghanistan | Ireland | 19 years 54 days | 127 |
8. Kushal Malla

Kushal Malla, a rising star from Nepal, scored 108 runs against Oman at the age of 19 years and 47 days. His innings was packed with aggressive shots and fearless hitting. Played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in 2023, Malla’s ton was a turning point for Nepal cricket. His early success placed him on the global radar and earned him a spot among the Top 10 Youngest Players Scoring a Century in ODI.
Player | Country | Opponent | Age at Century | Score |
---|---|---|---|---|
Kushal Malla | Nepal | Oman | 19 years 47 days | 108 |
7. A M Tribe
A M Tribe became a national hero for Jersey when he scored an unbeaten 115 runs* against Papua New Guinea in 2023. At 19 years and 3 days, Tribe showcased maturity beyond his years. His ability to build the innings patiently and finish strong was highly praised. This performance not only boosted Jersey cricket but also highlighted him as one of the Top 10 Youngest Players Scoring a Century in ODI.
Player | Country | Opponent | Age at Century | Score |
---|---|---|---|---|
A M Tribe | Jersey | Papua New Guinea | 19 years 3 days | 115* |
6. Tamim Iqbal

At the age of 19 years and 2 days, Tamim Iqbal scored a powerful 129 runs against Ireland in 2008 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. Tamim’s innings was filled with class, timing, and aggression. His ability to dominate bowlers early in his career helped shape Bangladesh’s top-order for years to come. This century made him one of the Top 10 Youngest Players Scoring a Century in ODI, and his consistency later turned him into a cricketing icon for his country.
Player | Country | Opponent | Age at Century | Score |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tamim Iqbal | Bangladesh | Ireland | 19 years 2 days | 129 |
5. S R Mukkamalla

S R Mukkamalla created history by scoring 120 runs* for the United States against the UAE in 2023. At 18 years and 355 days, he became the youngest centurion from the USA. His composed and technically sound knock reflected the growing depth in American cricket. Mukkamalla’s breakthrough performance was a key reason the USA cricket team gained international attention. He truly earned his place among the Top 10 Youngest Players Scoring a Century in ODI.
Player | Country | Opponent | Age at Century | Score |
---|---|---|---|---|
S R Mukkamalla | USA | UAE | 18 years 355 days | 120* |
4. Saleem Elahi

Saleem Elahi made headlines when he scored an unbeaten 102 runs* on his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in 1995. He was 18 years and 312 days old and instantly became a fan favorite. Playing at the Jinnah Stadium, Gujranwala, Elahi’s calm and composed innings showed great temperament. He made it into the list of Top 10 Youngest Players Scoring a Century in ODI with a debut to remember.
Player | Country | Opponent | Age at Century | Score |
---|---|---|---|---|
Saleem Elahi | Pakistan | Sri Lanka | 18 years 312 days | 102* |
3. Imran Nazir

In 2000, Imran Nazir scored 105 runs* against Zimbabwe at the age of 18 years and 121 days. Known for his aggressive style and fluent stroke play, Nazir played his memorable knock at the National Cricket Stadium (Grenada). His innings was a perfect blend of power and class, proving why he belonged among the Top 10 Youngest Players Scoring a Century in ODI.
Player | Country | Opponent | Age at Century | Score |
---|---|---|---|---|
Imran Nazir | Pakistan | Zimbabwe | 18 years 121 days | 105* |
2. Usman Ghani

Usman Ghani wrote his name in history books with an outstanding knock of 118 runs against Zimbabwe in 2014. At just 17 years and 242 days, Ghani showed patience, solid technique, and incredible shot selection. His effort helped Afghanistan post a competitive total and proved that the country had world-class talent. This century ensured Ghani a firm spot in the Top 10 Youngest Players Scoring a Century in ODI.
Player | Country | Opponent | Age at Century | Score |
---|---|---|---|---|
Usman Ghani | Afghanistan | Zimbabwe | 17 years 242 days | 118 |
1. Shahid Afridi

At just 16 years and 217 days, Shahid Afridi made global headlines when he smashed 102 runs against Sri Lanka in 1996. This match was only his second ODI, and it took place at the Gymkhana Club Ground. Afridi’s innings, which included 11 sixes, was one of the fastest ODI hundreds at the time. His fearless approach revolutionized power-hitting in cricket. Afridi remains the youngest player on the list and truly defines the spirit of the Top 10 Youngest Players Scoring a Century in ODI.
Player | Country | Opponent | Age at Century | Score |
---|---|---|---|---|
Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | Sri Lanka | 16 years 217 days | 102 |
READ MORE:
- Top 10 Youngest Players to Score a Century in Test Cricket
- Top 10 Powerful Test Performances with Century and 5 Wickets in an Innings: Legends Who Shined Twice
FAQ
Q1: Who is the youngest player to score an ODI century?
A: Shahid Afridi of Pakistan, at just 16 years and 217 days, is the youngest ever to score an ODI century.
Q2: Which country has the most players in this list?
A: Pakistan, with three players Shahid Afridi, Imran Nazir, and Ahmed Shehzad.
Q3: Has any Associate Nation player scored a century at a young age?
A: Yes, players from USA, Nepal, and Jersey have all scored centuries under the age of 20.
Q4: Who scored the highest century among these youngest players?
A: Tamim Iqbal of Bangladesh scored 129 runs, the highest among the top 10.
Q5: Are these players still active?
A: Some like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Kushal Malla are still active and playing for their national sides.