Well, scoring a century in the One-Day Internationals (ODIs) is often hailed as one of the most decorated and coveted achievements for international cricketers. A few legendary international cricketers have registered roaring tons at a very young age and have etched their names in the glorious history of the game. Have you ever wondered about the trailblazing international cricketers who have defied the odds of their age and have established themselves as the youngest centurions in the history of One-Day Internationals (ODIs)? Well, let’s find out.
In this article we will take a look at the top four youngest centurions in the history of ODI cricket.
Top 4 Youngest Centurions in ODI Cricket History
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Shahid Afridi – 16 Years 217 Days
The Pakistani former international cricketer and captain of Pakistan’s national cricket team, Shahid Afridi, is at the first spot in our list of the top four youngest centurions who created history in the ODI cricket format. Often hailed as one of the most prolific all-rounders in the history of international cricket, Shahid Afridi displayed his batting prowess at a very young age and registered a roaring century against Sri Lanka on 4 October 1996 at the age of 16 years and 217 days, which established him as the youngest centurion in the history of One-Day Internationals.
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Usman Ghani – 17 Years 242 Days
At the second spot in our list of the top four youngest centurions in the history of ODI cricket, we have the legendary Afghan international cricketer Usman Ghani, who plays as an opening batsman for the Afghanistan national cricket team. Usman Ghani smashed his first-ever ODI ton against Zimbabwe on 20 July 2014 at Bulawayo, scoring a phenomenal total of 118 runs off 143 deliveries. Usman Ghani earned enormous praise and recognition from cricket aficionados from all over the world for his unmatched exploits on the field in the spine-chilling match against Zimbabwe.
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Imran Nazir – 18 Years 121 Days
Next, at the third spot in our list of the top four youngest centurions who created history in the ODI cricket format, we have the legendary Pakistani former international cricketer Imran Nazir, who is still hailed as one of the most influential and successful batsmen in the history of the game. Imran Nazir scored his first and only ODI century on 15 April 2000 against Zimbabwe at the age of 18 years and 121 days, establishing himself as the third-youngest centurion in the history of the One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Nazir delivered a phenomenal knock of 105 runs against Zimbabwe which played a crucial role in chasing down a formidable target of 204 runs in St George’s, Grenada.
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Saleem Elahi – 18 Years 312 Days
Finally, at the fourth spot in our list of the top four youngest centurions in the history of ODI cricket, we have another legendary Pakistani former international cricketer, Saleem Elahi, who is still regarded as one of the most significant players in the history of international cricket. Saleem Elahi scored his maiden ODI century on 29 September 1995 against Sri Lanka at the age of 18 years and 312 days, establishing him as the fourth-youngest centurion in the history of One-Day Internationals as of July 2025. Saleem Elahi ended up scoring a total of 102 runs off 133 deliveries during the high-stakes match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
