In modern One-Day Internationals (ODIs), high scores are no longer unusual. Flat pitches, powerful bats and fearless batting have made it easier for teams to post 300, 350 or even 400-plus totals. While bowlers continue to battle hard, they often find themselves helpless against the wave of attacking stroke play.
Double centuries, blazing strike rates and partnerships over 200 runs are now part of the game. But one achievement remains extremely rare — three batters scoring centuries in the same innings. In over 50 years of ODI cricket, this has happened only five times.
Let’s revisit these special moments….
1. Hashim Amla, Rilee Rossouw, and AB de Villiers (South Africa vs West Indies, 2015):
The first instance came in Johannesburg in January 2015. Hashim Amla anchored the innings with a calm 153* off 142 balls. At the other end, Rilee Rossouw struck his maiden ODI hundred, scoring 128 off 115 deliveries. Together, they built a massive 247-run stand for the opening wicket.
Then came AB de Villiers who played one of the most unforgettable knocks in the ODI history. He blasted 149 off just 44 balls, smashing records for fun and South Africa ended with a towering 439/2.
Chasing 440, West Indies never got close. Despite decent starts from Dwayne Smith (64), Denesh Ramdin (57) and others, they managed only 291/7. Dale Steyn (1/29) and Morne Morkel (2/43) indeed deserve the credit for ensuring that South Africa won comfortably.
2. Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis, and AB de Villiers (South Africa vs India, 2015):
Later that year, South Africa repeated the feat, this time at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Quinton de Kock (109) and Faf du Plessis (133 retired hurt) set the platform. Once again, it was AB de Villiers who stole the show with another breathtaking knock. He blasted 119 off 61 balls, leaving the Indian bowlers helpless. Even the reliable Bhuvneshwar Kumar conceded over 100 runs.
South Africa piled up 438/4. India, chasing the mammoth target, never really looked in control. Ajinkya Rahane (87) and Shikhar Dhawan (60) tried their best but Kagiso Rabada (4/41) and Dale Steyn (3/38) wrapped up the innings. South Africa sealed the match and went on to win the series by 3-2.
3. Phil Salt, Dawid Malan, and Jos Buttler (England vs Netherlands, 2023):
In Amstelveen, England delivered one of the most brutal batting displays in the ODI history. Phil Salt (122), Dawid Malan (125), and Jos Buttler (162* off 70 balls) all struck centuries. Buttler’s innings, filled with 14 sixes, was particularly destructive. Liam Livingstone’s late cameo (66* off 22) nearly took England to the 500-run mark, as they finished on 498/4, the highest ODI total ever.
The Netherlands, to their credit, batted out most of their 50 overs. Scott Edwards (72*) and Max O’Dowd (55) resisted but England’s bowlers, including David Willey and Sam Curran, ensured a one-sided result.
4. Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram (South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 2023 World Cup):
In their 2023 World Cup opener, South Africa once again lit up the scoreboard. Quinton de Kock (100) and Rassie van der Dussen (108) scored controlled centuries but the real fireworks came from Aiden Markram who blasted 106 off just 54 balls, the fastest hundred in the World Cup history.
South Africa crossed 400 with ease. Sri Lanka fought back through Kusal Mendis (76 off 42) and Charith Asalanka (79) but they fell well short, losing by 102 runs. Kagiso Rabada (2/50) and debutant Gerald Coetzee (3/68) led the Proteas’ bowling effort.
5. Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Cameron Green (Australia vs South Africa, 2025):
The most recent instance came in 2025 when Australia faced South Africa. After poor performances in the earlier games, the Aussies bounced back in style. Travis Head (142) and Mitchell Marsh (100) set the tone before Cameron Green unleashed a stunning assault. Green smashed 118* off just 55 balls, recording the second fastest century by an Australian in ODIs.
South Africa, chasing 432, collapsed to 155 all out in under 25 overs. Youngster Cooper Connolly stole the show with the ball, taking a sensational 5/22, his maiden five-wicket haul. Dewald Brevis (49) entertained briefly but the result was a crushing win for Australia.
In an age where big scores have become routine, three centuries in one innings remain a rare and glittering achievement. It requires not just individual brilliance but also collective dominance.
And as ODIs continue to evolve, fans will surely wonder when we will next see three centurions in a single innings.
