Scoring a century in One-Day International (ODI) cricket is one of the greatest achievements for any batter. Reaching three figures in the 50-over format requires excellent technique, patience, concentration, and the ability to adapt to different match situations. While most players produce their best performances during their younger years, a few exceptional cricketers have continued to dominate international bowling attacks well into the later stages of their careers. Their achievements prove that experience and game awareness can often outweigh youthful energy.
The record of the Oldest Players to Score a Hundred in ODIs is a perfect example of how age does not define success in cricket. These veteran batters relied on years of experience, calm decision-making, and outstanding batting skills to register memorable centuries against quality opposition. Their remarkable innings not only helped their teams but also created unforgettable moments in ODI history. Every player featured on this list proved that determination, fitness, and consistency can keep a cricketer performing at the highest level long after many of their contemporaries have retired.
List of 5 Oldest Players to Score a Hundred in ODIs
5. Geoffrey Boycott
Former England opener Geoffrey Boycott occupies the fifth position among the Oldest Players to Score a Hundred in ODIs after producing a brilliant century against Australia on 11 December 1979 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Boycott was 39 years and 51 days old when he scored 105 runs in one of the most disciplined ODI innings of his career. During the early years of limited-overs cricket, centuries were much harder to score because batting approaches were generally more cautious than they are today. Boycott’s innings demonstrated his exceptional patience, defensive technique, and ability to build a long innings under pressure.
Known as one of England’s finest opening batters, Boycott built his reputation on consistency and determination rather than aggressive stroke play. His century against Australia highlighted the importance of experience in international cricket, as he carefully rotated the strike while punishing loose deliveries. The knock came against one of the strongest bowling attacks of that era and remains one of the finest examples of a veteran batter succeeding at the highest level. His place among the Oldest Players to Score a Hundred in ODIs continues to be remembered as an important milestone in ODI cricket history.
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Geoffrey Boycott |
| Team | England |
| Age | 39 Years, 51 Days |
| Matches | 36 |
| Runs | 1082 |
| Highest Score | 105 |
| Century in Match | 105 vs Australia |
| Opposition | Australia |
| Venue | Sydney Cricket Ground |
| Match Date | 11 December 1979 |
4. Ed Joyce
Ed Joyce is another outstanding name among the Oldest Players to Score a Hundred in ODIs after scoring an unbeaten 116 against the United Arab Emirates on 11 January 2018 at ICCA Dubai. At the age of 39 years and 111 days, Joyce showed remarkable composure and excellent shot selection throughout his innings. His unbeaten century helped Ireland post a commanding total and reminded cricket fans that experienced batters remain valuable assets even in the closing years of their careers.
Joyce enjoyed a long international career representing both England and Ireland before becoming one of Ireland’s most dependable ODI batters. His calm approach, solid technique, and ability to construct partnerships made him a consistent performer. The unbeaten century against the UAE was a perfect demonstration of his experience, allowing Ireland to control the match from the beginning. His achievement firmly places him among the Oldest Players to Score a Hundred in ODIs, highlighting how veteran players can still perform at an elite level with proper fitness and preparation.
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Ed Joyce |
| Team | Ireland |
| Age | 39 Years, 111 Days |
| Matches | 78 |
| Runs | 2622 |
| Highest Score | 116* |
| Century in Match | 116* vs U.A.E. |
| Opposition | United Arab Emirates |
| Venue | ICCA Dubai |
| Match Date | 11 January 2018 |
3. Chris Gayle
West Indies legend Chris Gayle ranks third among the Oldest Players to Score a Hundred in ODIs after producing an explosive 162-run innings against England at St George’s on 27 February 2019. Gayle was 39 years and 159 days old when he played one of the most destructive knocks of his ODI career. Despite approaching the age of 40, he displayed the same fearless batting style that had made him one of the world’s most dangerous opening batters.
Gayle dominated England’s bowling attack with powerful sixes, elegant boundaries, and remarkable confidence throughout the innings. His ability to clear the boundary consistently proved that age had not reduced his batting power or match-winning ability. The century was a reminder that elite athletes can continue producing world-class performances through disciplined fitness and vast experience. His remarkable knock remains one of the most entertaining innings produced by any player featured among the Oldest Players to Score a Hundred in ODIs and further strengthened his reputation as one of the greatest ODI batters of all time.
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Chris Gayle |
| Team | West Indies |
| Age | 39 Years, 159 Days |
| Matches | 301 |
| Runs | 10480 |
| Highest Score | 215 |
| Century in Match | 162 vs England |
| Opposition | England |
| Venue | St George’s |
| Match Date | 27 February 2019 |
READ MORE: Top 5 Batsmen with the Most ODI Hundreds in a Calendar Year
2. Sanath Jayasuriya
Sri Lankan cricket icon Sanath Jayasuriya stands second on the list of the Oldest Players to Score a Hundred in ODIs after scoring a superb 107 against India on 28 January 2009 in Dambulla. At 39 years and 212 days of age, Jayasuriya once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the greatest ODI cricketers in history. His century combined aggressive stroke play with excellent game awareness, helping Sri Lanka secure an important victory against one of the strongest teams in world cricket.
Throughout his career, Jayasuriya revolutionized ODI batting with his fearless attacking approach at the top of the order. Even in the later stages of his international journey, he continued to dominate quality bowling attacks through timing, placement, and confidence. His century against India reflected his exceptional cricketing intelligence and physical fitness, qualities that allowed him to compete successfully against younger opponents. His achievement remains one of the greatest examples of longevity and places him among the most successful Oldest Players to Score a Hundred in ODIs.
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Sanath Jayasuriya |
| Team | Sri Lanka |
| Age | 39 Years, 212 Days |
| Matches | 445 |
| Runs | 13430 |
| Highest Score | 189 |
| Century in Match | 107 vs India |
| Opposition | India |
| Venue | Dambulla |
| Match Date | 28 January 2009 |
1. Khurram Khan
Khurram Khan holds the remarkable record as the leader among the Oldest Players to Score a Hundred in ODIs. Representing the United Arab Emirates, he scored an unbeaten 132 against Afghanistan at ICCA Dubai on 30 November 2014. At 43 years and 162 days, he became the oldest cricketer ever to score an ODI century, creating a record that still stands today. His unforgettable innings is one of the greatest examples of determination, experience, and outstanding batting in international cricket.
Khurram Khan paced his innings perfectly by combining patience with intelligent stroke play. He rotated the strike efficiently, punished loose deliveries, and guided his team with exceptional maturity throughout the match. His unbeaten century showed that age is not a limitation when a player maintains excellent fitness and continues to develop their game. The innings remains one of the greatest achievements in ODI history and secures his place at the top of the list of the Oldest Players to Score a Hundred in ODIs. His record continues to inspire players across Associate and Full Member nations, proving that outstanding performances can come at any stage of a cricketing career.
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Khurram Khan |
| Team | United Arab Emirates |
| Age | 43 Years, 162 Days |
| Matches | 16 |
| Runs | 701 |
| Highest Score | 132* |
| Century in Match | 132* vs Afghanistan |
| Opposition | Afghanistan |
| Venue | ICCA Dubai |
| Match Date | 30 November 2014 |
The list of the Oldest Players to Score a Hundred in ODIs highlights that international cricket rewards not only talent but also experience, discipline, and consistency. Every batter featured in this ranking delivered an exceptional century at an age when most professional cricketers had already retired. Their performances proved that knowledge of the game, physical fitness, and mental strength remain powerful advantages even in modern ODI cricket.
From Geoffrey Boycott’s patient century in 1979 to Khurram Khan’s record-breaking unbeaten hundred at 43 years of age, each player created a lasting legacy in One-Day International cricket. Chris Gayle, Sanath Jayasuriya, and Ed Joyce also demonstrated that experienced batters can continue producing match-winning performances against quality opposition. The achievements of these Oldest Players to Score a Hundred in ODIs remain among the most inspiring records in cricket history and continue to motivate future generations of cricketers around the world.
FAQs
1. Who is the oldest player to score a hundred in ODIs?
Khurram Khan of the United Arab Emirates is the oldest player to score a hundred in ODIs. He made an unbeaten 132 against Afghanistan on 30 November 2014 at the age of 43 years and 162 days, which remains the oldest ODI century in cricket history.
2. Which players are among the oldest players to score a hundred in ODIs?
The top five Oldest Players to Score a Hundred in ODIs are:
Khurram Khan (United Arab Emirates)
Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)
Chris Gayle (West Indies)
Ed Joyce (Ireland)
Geoffrey Boycott (England)
These legendary batters proved that experience and consistency can help players succeed even in the later stages of their careers
3. Has any player scored an ODI century after the age of 40?
Yes. Khurram Khan is the only player to score an ODI century after turning 40. He achieved this remarkable feat at 43 years and 162 days, making him the oldest centurion in One-Day International cricket.
4. Why are the oldest players to score a hundred in ODIs so special?
The Oldest Players to Score a Hundred in ODIs are special because they performed at the highest level despite their age. Their centuries demonstrate that experience, fitness, mental strength, and excellent batting technique can be just as important as youth in international cricket.
5. Which country has the most players among the oldest players to score a hundred in ODIs?
Each player in the top five list represents a different country. England, Ireland, the West Indies, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates each have one player among the Oldest Players to Score a Hundred in ODIs, showing that veteran cricketers from different nations have achieved this remarkable milestone.