Top 10 Oldest Players to Score ODI Centuries: Legendary Comebacks

In the fast-paced world of ODI cricket, scoring a century after crossing the age of 38 is no small achievement. These legends proved that experience and dedication can overcome the constraints of age. This article celebrates the Oldest Players to Score ODI Centuries, counting down from 10 to 1, with detailed performances and stats that showcase their greatness on the field.

List of Top 10 Oldest Players to Score ODI Centuries

10. Sunil Gavaskar – 38 Years 113 Days

Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s earliest batting icons, was known for his technical brilliance and rock-solid temperament. Even at 38 years and 113 days, Gavaskar showed that he had the hunger for big scores. He scored an unbeaten 103 against New Zealand in Nagpur on 31 October 1987, guiding India with his classical strokes and experience. His century came at a time when aggressive cricket was rising, but Gavaskar’s calm approach still proved highly effective.

The innings by Gavaskar clearly earns him a place among the Oldest Players to Score ODI Centuries.

Age	Runs	Team	Opponent
38y 113d	103*	India	New Zealand

9. Tillakaratne Dilshan – 38 Years 148 Days

Tillakaratne Dilshan, known for his unique shots like the “Dilscoop,” was a key player for Sri Lanka in all formats. At the age of 38 years and 148 days, Dilshan played a masterful innings of 104 against Scotland during the 2015 World Cup in Hobart. His innings was not only graceful but also showcased his ability to accelerate at will. Despite age, his footwork and timing were impeccable.

Dilshan’s remarkable ton places him in the prestigious list of Oldest Players to Score ODI Centuries.

Age	Runs	Team	Opponent
38y 148d	104	Sri Lanka	Scotland

8. David Hemp – 38 Years 149 Days

David Hemp of Bermuda wasn’t a globally celebrated cricketer, but he produced a stunning innings in 2009 that stunned everyone. Against Kenya in Potchefstroom, Hemp scored an unbeaten 102 at the age of 38 years and 149 days. It was a rare high for Bermuda, and Hemp’s calm knock under pressure displayed his maturity and class. This was Bermuda’s only individual century in ODIs.

David Hemp surely deserves to be among the Oldest Players to Score ODI Centuries.

Age	Runs	Team	Opponent
38y 149d	102*	Bermuda	Kenya

7. Sachin Tendulkar – 38 Years 327 Days

The “Master Blaster” Sachin Tendulkar scored his 100th international century in 2012 against Bangladesh in Mirpur at the age of 38 years and 327 days. This iconic 114-run innings was more than just a milestone it was a moment that made the entire nation celebrate. Though the innings came in a losing cause, Tendulkar’s calm and determined approach showed why he was a true great.

Tendulkar’s knock will forever be remembered among the Oldest Players to Score ODI Centuries.

Age	Runs	Team	Opponent
38y 327d	114	India	Bangladesh

6. Mohammad Nabi – 39 Years 39 Days

Mohammad Nabi has long been Afghanistan’s most trusted all-rounder. In 2024, he reminded the cricket world of his batting class by scoring a blazing 136 against Sri Lanka in Pallekele at 39 years and 39 days. Known for his calm mind and sharp cricketing brain, Nabi’s century was a combination of smart rotation and clean power hitting. It helped Afghanistan post a strong total in a crucial match.

Nabi’s match-winning ton proudly places him in the list of Oldest Players to Score ODI Centuries.

Age	Runs	Team	Opponent
39y 39d	136	Afghanistan	Sri Lanka

5. Geoffrey Boycott – 39 Years 51 Days

A legend of English cricket, Geoffrey Boycott was known for his discipline and patience at the crease. In 1979, at the age of 39 years and 51 days, he scored a composed 105 against Australia in Sydney. It was only the 79th ODI in history, and Boycott’s classical style stood out in the early era of limited-overs cricket. He valued his wicket and guided England with calmness and intelligence.

Boycott remains one of the earliest names among the Oldest Players to Score ODI Centuries.

Age	Runs	Team	Opponent
39y 51d	105	England	Australia

4. Ed Joyce – 39 Years 111 Days

Ireland’s stylish left-hander Ed Joyce played one of his finest ODI innings in 2018 against the UAE. At 39 years and 111 days, he remained unbeaten on 116, guiding Ireland with ease and elegance. Joyce’s strokeplay was fluent, and his ability to control the innings was admirable. He stood tall under pressure and made a statement about Ireland’s batting strength.

Ed Joyce’s calm century adds weight to the Oldest Players to Score ODI Centuries list.

Age	Runs	Team	Opponent
39y 111d	116*	Ireland	UAE

3. Chris Gayle – 39 Years 159 Days

The ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle has always been a crowd-puller, and in 2019, at 39 years and 159 days, he entertained fans with a thunderous 162-run knock against England. This was vintage Gayle sixes, fours, and sheer dominance. Despite his age, he looked fitter and stronger than many younger players. It was a special innings, full of fun and firepower.

Gayle’s fireworks ensure his name shines among the Oldest Players to Score ODI Centuries.

Age	Runs	Team	Opponent
39y 159d	162	West Indies	England

2. Sanath Jayasuriya – 39 Years 212 Days

Sanath Jayasuriya, one of the game’s greatest all-rounders, scored a bold 107 against India in 2009 at the age of 39 years and 212 days. He was a game-changer for Sri Lanka, and this innings showed that age hadn’t dulled his attacking instincts. His century included trademark cuts, pulls, and drives that delighted fans all over again.

Jayasuriya’s bold knock rightfully earns a spot in the Oldest Players to Score ODI Centuries.

Age	Runs	Team	Opponent
39y 212d	107	Sri Lanka	India

1. Khurram Khan – 43 Years 162 Days

At the top of the list is Khurram Khan from the United Arab Emirates. At 43 years and 162 days, Khurram scripted history by scoring an unbeaten 132 against Afghanistan in Dubai in 2014. It is the highest individual score by any player over the age of 40 in ODI history. His innings was composed, skillful, and above all, inspiring for every aging cricketer who dreams of performing at the international level.

Khurram Khan’s exceptional achievement is the crown jewel among the Oldest Players to Score ODI Centuries.

Age	Runs	Team	Opponent
43y 162d	132*	UAE	Afghanistan

READ MORE:

• Top 10 Fastest Team Hundreds in Test Cricket History
• Top 10 batsmen with the slowest ODI 100: Most Patient ODI Centuries

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