Corey Anderson earned a place in cricket's record books on Wednesday but knew nothing of it at the time.
The New Zealand batsman cracked a fastest-ever one-day hundred against West Indies, with the 23-year-old taking just 36 balls to reach the milestone in Queenstown.
In doing so he beat the 37-ball knock of Shahid Afridi for Pakistan 17 years ago, with his assault including 14 maximums and six fours.
Anderson’s barrage came as part of a 159-run victory for the Black Caps in a rain-shortened match, with New Zealand’s 283 for four in 21 overs far too much for the tourists to deal with in Queenstown.
The tourists were toothless in a response of 124 for five but it was Anderson who was the story, even if he did not know why.
“I didn’t have a clue actually. It’s not that I’d look it up and try and take it down. But it’s nice to have it,” he told a press conference.
Anderson joined Jesse Ryder in the middle when New Zealand were 84 for three.
Ryder – back in the team after a turbulent 2013 off the field – was on 41 at the time and Anderson, who only made his ODI debut against England last June, thought his role would be a support one.
“I thought I would look at singles and try and get myself in but a couple came out of the middle and you keep going,” he said.
“Me and Jesse started thinking every ball was either going to get us out or go for six and it’s nice to have that feeling when you’re out there.”
The pair posted 191 for the fourth wicket, with Ryder going on to make 104. His 46-ball century was the sixth fastest ton in ODIs.
The centuries from Anderson and Ryder push Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien down to eighth spot on the quickest century table, although his 50-ball effort against England in Bangalore remains the fastest in a World Cup.
The hundred is the latest positive mark against Anderson’s name, with the all-rounder having scored his maiden Test ton in October against Bangladesh.
