AB de Villiers' world record ton pulverises West Indies in 2nd ODI

By Patrick R. Anderson

South Africa's captain, AB de Villiers, blasted the fastest century in the history of One Day Internationals, bashing the West Indies bowlers for 149 with his century coming off just 31 deliveries, as the home team romped to a 148 run victory in the 2nd ODI at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Sunday.

Batting first, South Africa saw openers Riley Rossouw, 128, his maiden ODI century, and test captain Hashim Amla who carried his bat for 153 not out, his 18th ODI ton, put on a record opening partnership of 247, before de Villiers arrived and turned the match upside down. de Villiers eclipsed the previous record of a 36 ball century scored by New Zealand's Corey Anderson a year ago, by blasting 16 sixes off 44 balls, and was harshest against West Indies captain Jason Holder, hitting him for 45 runs off 9 deliveries.

South Africa's total of 439-2 was four runs shy of the ODI world record score of 443.

Jerome Taylor ended with 1-95, Holder 0-91, Andre Russell 1-78, Dwayne Smith 0-68 and Sulieman Benn 0-49, the main bowlers who felt the wrath of de Villiers, who put on 192 for the second wicket with the unflappable Amla. During this partnership, the pair blasted 17.12 runs per over.

And when the Windies replied and lost Chris Gayle for 19 in the 5th over, the match was now of academic interest, if not before.

Dwayne Smith made 64, Marlon Samuels 40, Denesh Ramdin 57 and Jonathan Carter 40 against Morne Morkel 2-43 and Vernon Philander 2-69. The West Indies made 291-7 off their 50 overs. Darren Sammy was left unbeaten on 25 and skipper Jason Holder 21.

The 3rd ODI takes place on Wednesday January 21 at Buffalo Park on East London. South Africa leads the 5-match series 2-0.

de Villiers was named man of the match.