Hitting a century in an international game of any format is a matter of pride for every batsman. While some are explosive in their approach to their tons, some prefer to take a more steadied stance. While fans prefer the more explosive batting statistics, sometimes a calm innings is required to either help a team across the line during a low scoring match on a sticky pitch or when a team’s batting is unable to cope with the opponent’s pressure and collapses.
On this note, after looking at the fastest centuries in ODIs, let’s have a look at five slowest ever centuries in ODI history:
Rameez Raja vs Sri Lanka – 152 balls (February 1990)
Known for portraying a calm persona while opening the batting in Tests for Pakistan, Rameez Raja brought in trait while facing off against Sri Lanka in 1990. Raja carried the bat for his team, completing his century in 152 balls while scoring an unbeaten 107 runs off 154 balls, while Pakistan set a target of 315 for their opponents.
Scott Styris vs Sri Lanka – 152 balls (April 2007)
During the 2007 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, Sri Lanka faced off against New Zealand in the Super 8 of the tournament, and Scott Styris rallied on as the wickets of his teammates fell around him. Only two other Kiwi batsmen managed to hit double figures as New Zealand were restricted to 219 runs. However, Styris managed to complete his century in 152 balls, scoring an unbeaten 111 at a rate of 70.70.
Geoff Marsh vs England – 156 balls (May 1989)
Australia have always been one of the top cricketing sides, with atleast one player from Down Under making it to every record there is. When former opener and the father of Stuart and Mitchell Marsh hit a century in 156 balls against England in 1989, he became the slowest batsman to achieve this feat; second slowest at this moment in time.
He eventually scored 111 off 162 balls, helping the Aussies to 279 and winning the game for them.
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Rameez Raja vs West Indies – 157 balls (February 1992)
Rameez Raja makes it to this list second time after a strong performance during one of the matches on the way to Pakistan’s maiden World Cup winning campaign in 1992. Two years on from his previous slow century, Raja took 157 balls this time, eventually carrying the bat for his team on a slow Melbourne pitch. Scoring at a rate of 64.55, Pakistan eventually scored 220 in the first of their three losses in the group stages of the tournament.
David Boon vs India – 166 balls (December 1991)
Chasing India’s meagre target of 175 runs, opener David Boon set the ball running for the Australian cricket team during India's tour of Down Under. He set up a 129-run partnership with Alan Border and went on to carry the bat for his team, scoring 102 runs at a rate of 60.17. India were determined but eventually lost the game with nine balls to spare.
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Feature image courtesy: AFP / Jewel Samad
