Top 5 youngest batters to score a century in World Cups

The ODI World Cup 2023 has been a tournament to remember so far with the number of runs scored and the way teams have been bundled out at cheap scores under lights. 33 centuries have been scored so far in the tournament by 23 batters which is the most in the history of the World Cups including youngsters such as Rachin Ravindra who is 23 years old and has lit up the stage on fire with 3 centuries.

Let’s look back at the World Cups so far to see the top 5 youngest centurions in the 48 years of World Cup history.

#1. Paul Stirling

At the tender age of 20 years and 196 days, Paul Stirling, the Irish cricket sensation, etched his name in the annals of cricketing history by becoming the youngest centurion in the coveted Cricket World Cup. 

His remarkable feat was achieved against the Netherlands in the 2011 edition of the tournament, where he orchestrated a magnificent innings of 103, showcasing his exceptional talent and shot-making which gave the world a glimpse of the upcoming Irish batting prodigy.

#2. Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting, the Australian cricket legend and one of the World's greatest captains, cemented his place in cricketing history by becoming the second-youngest centurion in the Cricket World Cup at the age of 21.

 His brilliant century against the West Indies in the 1996 World Cup showcased his exceptional talent and composure, marking the beginning of an illustrious career that would see him lead Australia to two World Cup victories and establish himself as one of the greatest batters of all time.

#3. Avishka Fernando

At the age of 21 years and 196 days, Avishka Fernando, the Sri Lankan cricket prodigy, etched his name in the annals of cricketing history by becoming the third youngest centurion in the Cricket World Cup. His remarkable feat was achieved against the West Indies in the 2019 edition of the tournament. 

Though the attacking young Sri Lankan opener is still to make a big name in the cricketing world, he showcased exceptional talent and composure beyond his years, crafting a remarkable innings that earned him a century. His achievement not only highlighted his skill but also made people aware of the batting talent Sri Lanka has in their batting armory back home.

#4. Ibrahim Zadran

Ibrahim Zadran, the Afghanistan cricket sensation, etched his name in the cricketing folklore by becoming the third youngest centurion in the Cricket World Cup history. At the young age of 21 years and 330 days, Zadran achieved this remarkable feat against Australia in the 2023 edition of the tournament, where he orchestrated a magnificent innings of 129 against the likes of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins.

He also became the first Afghanistan batter to hit a century in World Cups which almost drove Afghanistan to a historic victory against Australia till Maxwell hit a smoking double-ton.

#5. Virat Kohli

At 22 years and 106 days, Virat Kohli, the future Indian cricket captain and batting maestro, announced himself on the biggest stage of the International by hitting a ton against Bangladesh in the first match of the 2011 Cricket World Cup. 

India went to lift the trophy in that World Cup and Kohli's achievement marked the beginning of an illustrious career, one that would see him lead India to a World Cup victory and establish himself as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.