Top 10 batsmen with the slowest ODI 100: Most Patient ODI Centuries

Batsmen with the slowest ODI 100: In modern cricket, where fast-paced centuries are celebrated, there are some innings that stand out for their patience and discipline. These knocks may not be the quickest, but they speak volumes about a batsman’s focus, determination, and ability to handle pressure. In this article, we take a closer look at the Top 10 batsmen with the slowest ODI 100. These innings may have taken time, but they played a powerful role in building team scores and showing grit in tough situations.

Let’s explore these historic knocks one by one, understand the context behind them, and admire the mental strength it took to reach the three-figure mark.

List of Top 10 batsmen with the slowest ODI 100

10. David Boon – 146 Balls vs Sri Lanka (1985)

One of Australia’s most dependable openers in the 1980s, David Boon played a slow yet valuable knock against Sri Lanka in 1985. His century came off 146 balls, and although it wasn’t a quickfire innings, it demonstrated the importance of holding the crease and building partnerships. In that era, strike rates were generally low, and Boon’s innings helped Australia put up a competitive total. His patience and technique in this game make him one of the batsmen with the slowest ODI 100 in cricket history.

Player	Balls Taken	Opponent	Year
David Boon	146	Sri Lanka	1985

9. Shai Hope – 149 Balls vs Zimbabwe (2023)

Modern-day West Indies star Shai Hope is known for his classic technique. In 2023, he took 149 balls to reach his century against Zimbabwe. While fans today often expect aggressive scoring, Hope’s methodical approach brought stability to his team’s innings. This slow century stood out in the T20 age and showed that traditional batting still has its place. His name on the list of batsmen with the slowest ODI 100 proves that class and control matter as much as big shots.

Player	Balls Taken	Opponent	Year
Shai Hope	149	Zimbabwe	2023

8. David Hemp – 150 Balls vs Kenya (2009)

From Bermuda, David Hemp etched his name in the record books with a century that took 150 balls against Kenya in 2009. For a player from an associate nation, Hemp’s innings was both inspirational and impactful. He anchored the innings during a tough phase and guided his team to a respectable score. His performance is remembered for its patience and solid technique, making him one of the notable batsmen with the slowest ODI 100.

Player	Balls Taken	Opponent	Year
David Hemp	150	Kenya	2009

7. Geoff Marsh – 150 Balls vs India (1986)

Australian opener Geoff Marsh was known for his steady style of play. Against India in 1986, Marsh took 150 balls to score a century. In a time when run-a-ball knocks were rare, his innings helped Australia set a solid foundation. His focus on rotating the strike, defending when needed, and punishing loose deliveries made him a key part of Australia’s top order. His place among the batsmen with the slowest ODI 100 speaks to his traditional batting values.

Player	Balls Taken	Opponent	Year
Geoff Marsh	150	India	1986

6. Tom Cooper – 151 Balls vs Scotland (2014)

Dutch-Australian cricketer Tom Cooper delivered a marathon knock against Scotland in 2014, taking 151 balls to complete his century. Representing the Netherlands, Cooper’s innings was about ensuring his team didn’t collapse under pressure. His slow approach frustrated the bowlers and allowed the rest of the batting lineup to build around him. His performance is another shining example of batsmen with the slowest ODI 100, especially from associate cricket nations.

Player	Balls Taken	Opponent	Year
Tom Cooper	151	Scotland	2014

5. Scott Styris – 152 Balls vs Sri Lanka (2007)

Veteran New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris showed his batting depth with a gritty century against Sri Lanka in 2007, taking 152 balls. He held the innings together in a low-scoring match where runs were hard to come by. Styris’s knock may have been slow, but it was crucial in giving New Zealand a fighting chance. His name among the batsmen with the slowest ODI 100 highlights how match situations can demand cautious, intelligent batting.

Player	Balls Taken	Opponent	Year
Scott Styris	152	Sri Lanka	2007

4. Rameez Raja – 152 Balls vs West Indies (1991)

Former Pakistan captain Rameez Raja played a determined knock against the mighty West Indies in 1991, scoring a century in 152 balls. West Indies’ bowling attack was feared during that era, so Raja’s ability to stay on the pitch and grind out a century was a great achievement. He played risk-free cricket and built the innings patiently. His name appears multiple times among the batsmen with the slowest ODI 100, a testament to his old-school approach.

Player	Balls Taken	Opponent	Year
Rameez Raja	152	West Indies	1991

3. Geoff Marsh – 156 Balls vs England (1989)

In 1989, Geoff Marsh scored another notably slow century, this time against England. It took him 156 balls to reach the milestone. Marsh’s innings was a typical example of calculated, risk-free cricket that was needed to keep his side steady against tough bowling. While fans today love big sixes and fast hundreds, this kind of innings had its own beauty. Marsh’s second entry on the list of batsmen with the slowest ODI 100 shows how important he was for Australia’s top order.

Player	Balls Taken	Opponent	Year
Geoff Marsh	156	England	1989

2. Rameez Raja – 157 Balls vs Sri Lanka (1990)

Rameez Raja once again finds his place on this unique list with a 157-ball century against Sri Lanka in 1990. This was a slow yet tactical innings that held the Pakistani batting lineup together. He rotated the strike carefully, waited for bad balls, and kept the scoreboard ticking. His style wasn’t flashy, but it was steady and effective. This is why he is one of the most prominent batsmen with the slowest ODI 100.

Player	Balls Taken	Opponent	Year
Rameez Raja	157	Sri Lanka	1990

1. David Boon – 166 Balls vs India (1991)

At the top of this rare list is David Boon, who took a record 166 balls to complete his century against India in 1991. This remains the slowest ODI century of all time. Boon wasn’t in a hurry he played a responsible innings based on timing and placement, not power. The pitch was slow, the conditions were tough, and Boon’s approach worked perfectly for the match situation. He tops the elite list of batsmen with the slowest ODI 100, and his performance is still discussed for its sheer discipline.

Player	Balls Taken	Opponent	Year
David Boon	166	India	1991

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