Anmolpreet Singh Smashes Third-Fastest List A Century in Just 35 Balls
Punjab’s Anmolpreet Singh made cricket history. He scored the third-fastest century in List A cricket. In a Vijay Hazare Trophy match in Ahmedabad, Singh hit the mark in just 35 balls. Only Jake Fraser-McGurk (29 balls) and AB de Villiers (31 balls) are faster.
A Record-Breaking Knock
The Century That Stunned the Cricket World
Walking in at No. 3 after captain Abhishek Sharma’s dismissal in the second over, Anmolpreet Singh unleashed an unforgettable assault. His 100 came off 35 deliveries, featuring 11 boundaries and 8 towering sixes.
Anmolpreet’s blitzkrieg targeted offspinner Techi Neri. His only over went for an astonishing 31 runs. None of Arunachal Pradesh’s bowlers escaped punishment. Left-arm spinner Hardik Verma was the most economical, conceding 9.52 runs per over.
Match Highlights: Punjab’s Domination
A Crushing Win for Punjab
Anmolpreet’s heroics ensured Punjab quickly chased down Arunachal’s 164. Chasing the score, Punjab cruised to victory in just 12.5 overs, securing a dominant nine-wicket win.
Singh finished unbeaten on 115 off 45 balls. He hit a six and a four after completing his century. Prabhsimran Singh supported with 35 runs off 25 balls. He was not out at the end.
A Historic List A Moment
This innings places Anmolpreet firmly in elite company:
- Jake Fraser-McGurk (29 balls) holds the record for the fastest List A century. He achieved it in the Marsh Cup in October 2023.
- AB de Villiers (31 balls) is second. He set this record in an ODI for South Africa against the West Indies in 2015.
The Bigger Picture
IPL Stint and Career Trajectory
Anmolpreet Singh has played for Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL. He has had a lukewarm run in the tournament. He went unsold in the recent IPL auction. But, his blistering century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy may have reignited interest in his talent.
Context of the Record
De Villiers’ 31-ball century in his 149-run innings against the West Indies broke the List A and ODI record of 36 balls set by Corey Anderson in 2014. For years, no one challenged De Villiers’ record. In 2023, Jake Fraser-McGurk’s 29-ball century for South Australia shattered it. But, it was in a losing cause.
Anmolpreet’s latest effort joins this prestigious list. It also reminds us of his explosive abilities.
Anmolpreet Singh’s incredible knock is a testament to his ability to dominate the game and deliver under pressure. His stunning innings reinforced his reputation as a top-order batter. It raised hopes for a resurgence in his career.
Cricket fans and selectors will now watch the 25-year-old closely. He aims to build on his historic performance and reclaim his spot in the IPL and beyond.