Asif Khan: Fastest ODI Century By An Associate Player

During the last game of the 2019-2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2, where Nepal were desperately fighting to secure their spot for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifier, UAE cricketer Asif Khan recorded the fastest ODI century by an associate player as well as fourth fastest century in ODI history.

It was the must-win game for Nepal to qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifier from the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2.

After UAE chose to bat first against the hosts Nepal at Kirtipur, UAE managed to score 310/6 in 50 overs. While the skipper and opener Muhammad Waseem scored 63 off 49 balls and Vriitya Aravind scored 94 off 138 balls, the no.7 batter Asif Khan recorded a 41-ball ODI century.

Asif Khan scored 101 not out off 42 balls

The 33-year-old former Pakistan U19 cricketer Asif scored his first ODI century in that game. The right-handed batter scored 101 not out off 42 balls with the help of four fours and 11 sixes. It was an incredible knock for the UAE batter, who came to bat in the 38th over of that innings when his team was struggling at 175/5.  

However, Nepal fought desperately, majorly thanks to their strong middle-order batting performances. Including the opener Kushal Bhurtel (50), the team had four 50+ scores (Bhim Sharki 67; Aarif Sheikh 52 and Gulsan Jha 50*) in that big ODI chasing.

When they were fighting on 269/6 in 44 overs, that game was stopped due to bad light. So, Nepal ultimately won that game by nine runs (DLS method) to surpass Namibia to snatch the spot for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifier.  

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Asif Khan: 100 runs in 41 balls

• Fastest ODI century by an associate player.

• Fastest ODI century by a no.7 or lower-order batter. The previous record holder was Moeen Ali (England) who recorded a 53-ball ODI century at the no.7 batting position (vs West Indies at Bristol on 24 September 2017).

• Third fastest ODI century by a right-handed batter.

• Fourth fastest century in ODI history.

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Fastest ODI centuries by associate players (Top 5)

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Fastest ODI centuries (Top 5)

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