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Updated on June 16th 2025, 5:05:18 pm

AB de Villiers 149 vs West Indies: Fastest Century in ODI History

By Harsh Chopra
AB de Villiers celebrates after scoring a record-breaking 149 off 44 balls against West Indies in Johannesburg, 2015

AB de Villiers smashed a historic 149 off 44 balls against West Indies in Johannesburg, hitting 16 sixes and 9 fours. Relive the fastest century in ODI cricket history and one of AB’s most iconic knocks.

Key Takeaways


  • AB de Villiers smashed a record-breaking 149 off just 44 balls against West Indies in Johannesburg.

  • His innings featured 16 sixes and 9 fours — 132 of his runs came in boundaries.

  • This match also saw centuries from Hashim Amla (153*) and Rilee Rossouw (128).

  • South Africa’s top order put on a ruthless batting display, setting up a historic ODI performance.

  • AB’s knock is still considered one of the most brutal innings in ODI history.


AB de Villiers produced one of the most destructive innings in ODI history, blasting 149 off just 44 balls against West Indies in 2015, leaving fans and opposition bowlers alike in utter disbelief.


What was AB de Villiers' most iconic ODI innings?

AB de Villiers' 149 off 44 balls against West Indies in Johannesburg is widely regarded as his most iconic ODI innings. In just 11 overs, he smashed 16 sixes and 9 fours, redefining aggressive batting in limited-overs cricket.


The Match: South Africa vs West Indies, Johannesburg 2015


This was a match the West Indies would rather forget — but cricket fans won't let that happen. South Africa batted first and completely dismantled the Windies bowling attack, with three top-order batters hitting centuries.


South Africa’s Dominant Start


Openers Hashim Amla and Rilee Rossouw got off to a blistering start, adding a 247-run stand for the first wicket — one of the highest opening partnerships in ODI cricket.


  • Hashim Amla remained unbeaten on 153 (144 balls), hitting 14 boundaries.

  • Rilee Rossouw struck 128 off 115, with 11 fours and 2 sixes.

When Rossouw got out, the score was 247/1 — and then, AB de Villiers walked in.


The AB de Villiers Show: 149 in 44 Balls


What followed was pure carnage. With just 11 overs remaining, AB de Villiers went berserk:


  • Scored 149 off just 44 balls

  • Hit 16 sixes and 9 fours

  • Brought up the fastest fifty (16 balls) and fastest century (31 balls) in ODI history at the time

  • Played every shot in the book — sweeps, reverse sweeps, scoops, and straight drives — all with pinpoint precision and power

132 of his 149 runs came in boundaries. The ball kept flying into the stands, and the West Indies bowling unit had no answers. It was a batting exhibition rarely, if ever, seen in world cricket.


Why AB de Villiers Was So Unique


AB de Villiers wasn't just a power-hitter — he was a complete cricketer. He could grind out a Test hundred or decimate attacks in limited-overs formats. Loved by fans worldwide — especially in India — AB was a once-in-a-generation entertainer. This innings against the West Indies is the clearest testament to his genius.

 


Watch the highlights of 149 in 44 balls by AB de Villiers

 


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