Old is gold: Three oldest ODI centurions

Across any format of the sport, scoring centuries is always an ambition for players around the world. In the One-Day format, batters will need to keep up with the demands of the game, and maintain high levels of resilience, patience and focus in order to score big runs. While many players have etched their names into the annals of the sport’s history for holding various records, there are certain players who have notched up a century well into their late 30’s, which makes it quite fascinating. With that said, we take a look at the top three oldest ODI centurions-

3. Chris Gayle | 39y 159d | WI

Chirs Gayle is often regarded as one of the most lethal hitters of the ball in world cricket. The former explosive southpaw slammed 162 off a mere 97 balls against England during the fourth ODI in 2019 at 39 years and 159 days. His blistering knock included as many as 14 maximums and 11 boundaries at a strike rate of 167.01. However, England managed to win the contest by 29 runs.

2. Sanath Jayasuriya | 39y 212d | SL

The legendary Sri Lanka batter was 39 years and 212 days old when he slammed a century against neighbours team India. The former southpaw attained the feat in 2009 during the first ODI match at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Despite ending on the losing side, Jayasuriya carved a 114-ball 107, cracking 10 fours and a solitary maximum.

1. Khurram Khan | 43y 162d | UAE

United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Khurram Khan takes the first place in this elite list as he attained the feat at the age of 43 years and 162 days. His knock came against Afghanistan in 2014 during the second ODI match of the series. Skipper Khurram slammed an unbeaten 132 off 138 balls which featured 17 boundaries and one six which helped steer his side to a victory.