Khurram Khan to Rohit Sharma: Five oldest players to score an ODI century

The Invaluable Worth of Experience in ODI Cricket

In the modern era of high-intensity white-ball cricket, age is frequently scrutinized. Whenever a veteran cricketer goes through a brief dry spell, questions about retirement inevitably grow louder. However, class is permanent, and experienced players possess a unique ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. The legendary list of players from Khurram Khan to Rohit Sharma: Five oldest players to score an ODI century highlights those extraordinary athletes who defied Father Time to register historic hundreds late in their careers.

Rohit Sharma’s masterclass at Lord’s is the most recent reminder that age is merely a number when backed by elite skill and mental fortitude. Facing a formidable English side, the former Indian captain played a knock for the ages, securing his spot among the most seasoned centurions in One Day International history.

Rohit Sharma’s Masterclass at Lord’s

During the tense third ODI against England at Lord’s, Rohit Sharma showed exactly why he remains one of the most respected figures in world cricket. Chasing a demanding target in a high-pressure match, Rohit played a sublime inning of 138 runs off just 110 deliveries. Although India eventually fell short, losing both the match and the series 1-2, Rohit’s batting exhibition was a masterclass in controlled aggression and technical perfection.

This historic knock was filled with milestones. By reaching three figures, Rohit became the first-ever Indian batsman to record an ODI century at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. At the age of 39 years and 80 days, he did not just enter the record books for his venue-specific achievement; he also surpassed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar to become the oldest Indian cricketer to score an international century across all formats of the game.

The Five Oldest Centurions in ODI History

Let us take a closer look at the five oldest players who have crossed the three-figure mark in ODI cricket, showcasing unparalleled longevity and skill.

1. Khurram Khan (UAE) – 43 years, 162 days

Sitting comfortably at the top of this elite list is the former United Arab Emirates captain, Khurram Khan. He achieved this monumental feat at the astonishing age of 43 years and 162 days, making him the oldest player to score an ODI century. Khurram reached the milestone during a sensational, unbeaten knock of 132 against Afghanistan in Dubai.

What makes Khurram’s record truly legendary is its exclusivity. To this day, he remains the only cricketer in history to have scored an ODI century after celebrating their 40th birthday. It is a remarkable achievement that continues to stand completely untouched, representing a proud moment for Associate cricket.

2. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 39 years, 212 days

Sanath Jayasuriya had already established himself as a Sri Lankan cricket icon long before 2009. However, the legendary left-handed opener proved he still had plenty of world-class performances left in the tank. At the age of 39 years and 212 days, Jayasuriya dismantled the Indian bowling attack in Dambulla, scoring a brilliant 107.

Jayasuriya famously revolutionized the way opening batsmen approached the first 15 overs of an ODI match during the 1990s. His century late in his career was a beautiful reminder that his signature blend of experience, fearlessness, and technical confidence could still dominate top-tier opposition even as he approached forty.

3. Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 39 years, 159 days

The “Universe Boss” Chris Gayle was never one to let bowlers dictate terms, regardless of his age. In 2019, at 39 years and 159 days old, Gayle put on a boundary-hitting masterclass against England in Grenada. He smashed a jaw-dropping 162 runs in his trademark explosive style, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

This spectacular innings reminded cricket fans globally why Gayle is regarded as one of the most destructive white-ball batsmen of all time. His effortless power-hitting and completely fearless mindset proved that age had done nothing to diminish his ability to single-handedly destroy world-class bowling lineups.

4. Ed Joyce (Ireland) – 39 years, 111 days

While Ed Joyce might not have commanded the same massive global media attention as some of the other legendary names on this list, his contribution to Irish cricket is immeasurable. Joyce earned his well-deserved spot among the oldest ODI centurions in 2018 at the age of 39 years and 111 days.

The elegant left-hander played a magnificent, unbeaten innings of 116 against the UAE in Dubai. This crucial knock helped Ireland set a formidable total and secured Joyce a permanent place in the history books as one of the finest veteran batsmen the game has seen.

5. Rohit Sharma (India) – 39 years, 80 days

The newest member to join this prestigious club is India’s Rohit Sharma. His spectacular 138 against England at Lord’s was far more than a standard century; it was a statement of longevity and supreme quality. Entering this list at 39 years and 80 days, Rohit proved that he still belongs at the absolute pinnacle of international cricket.

By achieving this feat at the Home of Cricket, he etched his name in Indian cricket folklore. Overtaking Sachin Tendulkar as India’s oldest international centurion across all formats, Rohit’s innings will be remembered as a masterclass in modern ODI batting under immense pressure.

Conclusion: Age is Just a Number

These five incredible cricketers have shown that experience, tactical awareness, and mental resilience are just as vital as youthful energy. From Khurram Khan’s unmatched milestone after turning 40 to Rohit Sharma’s sublime century at the historic Lord’s, these athletes have proven that true class never fades. Their names remain etched in ODI history as inspirations for generations of players trying to prolong their careers at the highest level.