Corey Anderson, the New Zealand batsman, earned a place in the record books yesterday but knew nothing of it at the time.
The 23-year-old scored the fastest one-day century, taking just 36 balls to reach the milestone against West Indies.
He beat the 37-ball knock of Shahid Afridi for Pakistan 17 years ago, with his score including 14 6s and six boundaries. It set up the home side for a 159-run victory 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.
West Indies were toothless in a response of 124 for five but it was Anderson who was the story, even if he did not know why initially. "I didn't have a clue actually," he said. "It's not like I'd look it [the record] up and try and take it down. But it's nice to have it."
Anderson joined Jesse Ryder in the middle when New Zealand were 84 for three. Ryder - back in the team after a turbulent year off the field - was on 41 at the time and Anderson had thought he would play second fiddle in the partnership.
"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. The century is another positive moment in Anderson's nascent career, with the all-rounder having scored his maiden Test ton in October against Bangladesh.
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