Nothing can be bigger than the World Cup in any sport. It takes a lot of skill to perform on the biggest stage of the ODI World Cup. There have been many players in the history of the game who played in the ODI World Cup but could not make a mark.

So, who scored the most number of hundreds in a single ODI World Cup tournament?

Rohit Sharma has hit 5 Centuries in World Cup 2019, the maximum number of centuries by any batsman in a single edition of the World Cup.

And here is the list of players who have scored more than two centuries in a single edition of the ODI World Cup.

Rohit Sharma – 5 Centuries

In the 2019 Cricket World Cup held in England and Wales, Indian opener Rohit Sharma established himself as one of the finest white-ball players in the world. Known for his ability to convert starts into big scores, Sharma broke records in the tournament with five extraordinary centuries. He showed his class by scoring 122, 140, 102, 104 and 103* against South Africa, Pakistan, England, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. His five centuries in a single edition of the World Cup earned him accolades and cemented his status as a legend of cricket.

Kumar Sangakkara – 4 Centuries

The 2015 Cricket World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, was graced by the exceptional batting prowess of Sri Lanka’s legendary wicket-keeper-batsman Kumar Sangakkara. Sangakkara showcased his class and consistency throughout the tournament, registering an incredible 4 centuries in 7 innings.

Sangakkara’s majestic knocks of 105* against Bangladesh, 117 against England, 104 against Scotland, and a breathtaking 124 against Scotland were a delight for cricket purists.

Mark Waugh – 3 centuries

One of the most enjoyable batsmen to watch in his era. He had a good record in both Tests and ODIs but his figures in the World Cup were even better. Junior Waugh scored over 1000 runs in three World Cups at an average of 52.84. He also scored four centuries in World Cups, three of which came in the 1996 edition.

Waugh made his World Cup debut in 1992 but his performances were cold and inconsistent. However, in 1996, he was extremely talented. He scored 484 runs in that tournament at an average of 80.67, including three centuries. Two of those three hundreds came at the start of the season. Waugh started the tournament with scores of 130 and 126 against Kenya and India respectively and won the player of the match award in both those games. He then scored 76 not out against Zimbabwe and 110 against New Zealand, helping the Australians chase down a target of 287. Waugh’s scores were low in the 1996 World Cup, in which Australia finished runners-up.

Sourav Ganguly – 3 centuries

One of the most iconic Indian opening batsmen, Sourav Ganguly displayed his full potential in the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup. Nicknamed “Dada”, Ganguly was the captain of the Indian team and led from the front with his breathtaking strokeplay. Throughout the tournament, he enthralled the spectators with his scintillating drives and powerful cuts.

Ganguly scored three centuries in the 2003 World Cup, achieving this feat against three strong opponents – Namibia, Kenya and Sri Lanka. His brilliant innings of 112, 107 and 183 respectively demonstrated his remarkable consistency and dominance at the crease.

Mathew Hayden – 3 centuries

The 2007 Cricket World Cup in the West Indies was dominated by Australia, who displayed a remarkable all-around performance throughout the tournament. A crucial cog in Australia’s batting lineup, Matthew Hayden, had an outstanding campaign, smashing an impressive 3 centuries in just 10 innings. Hayden’s ruthless aggression and ability to decimate bowling attacks made him one of the most destructive openers in the history of ODI cricket. His centuries against South Africa, the Netherlands, and West Indies powered Australia to their third consecutive World Cup victory.

Batsmen with Most Centuries in a Single World Cup

*Last Updated on 21st November 2023