Top 5 ODI records that were broken in 2015

The game of cricket has always undergone constant change, but never at a pace as rapid as its evolution today. The boundaries are shrinking, bat sizes are expanding, the players are growing fitter; All these variations in the gentleman's game have led unanimously to one consequence - world records are being rapidly shattered like mere glass against rocks.With batsmen possessing unimaginable levels of stamina, and bowlers adapting to hostile conditions expertly, the achievements of the past seem rather tame.The end of every year always needs a look back at the year that was, and so, here is a look at the top 5 ODI records that were broken In 2015.

#5 Fastest 50 in ODIs - AB de Villiers

AB’s masterclass left the Caribbean side clueless

A living legend of the game of cricket, AB de Villiers is a prime example of a batsman who has mastered every shot on the book and more; possibly enough to write a book of his own.

The South African superhero was at his absolute best against a very unfortunate West Indies on Jan 18, 2015, when he reached his half-century in just 16 deliveries. His performance beat Sanath Jayasuriya’s 19-year record of a 17-ball 50 against Pakistan by a whisker.

#4 Worst economy rate in ODI innings - Kevin O\'Brien

Kevin O’Brien’s only bright spot was the wicket of Faf du Plessis

Not all records are a matter of pride for the holder, and this one certainly isn’t. A hapless Kevin O’Brien decided to roll his arm over in the World Cup group game against South Africa on March 3, 2015. The Irishman bowled just 7 overs, but that was enough for the in-form Proteas to plunder 95 runs agains him, giving the Irish all-rounder a dreadful economy rate of 13.57.

Closely following O’Brien is his teammate M.C Sorensen, who gave away 76 runs in 6 overs at an economy of 12.66 in the same match. With such expensive figures it was no surprise to see South Africa score 411 and win the match by a massive 202 run margin.

#3 Best bowling figures on ODI debut - Kagiso Rabada

Rabada’s consistency along with his lively pace left Bangladesh in tatters

Kagiso Rabada, the fiery South African pace bowler made an astounding debut for the Proteas against Bangladesh on July 10, 2015. His mind boggling 6/16 in 8 overs, which included a hat trick, not only gave his side a measly target of 161 in the rain-shortened 40-over game, but also gave the South Africans a glimpse of their upcoming crop of pacers, and they were not complaining one bit.

Rabada’s performance broke Fidel Edwards’ 12-year record of 6/22 in 7 overs against Zimbabwe at Harare.

#2 Highest ODI partnership for any wicket - Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels

Gayle also managed to pick up two wickets post his phenomenal batting effort

Two of the best limited-overs batsmen West Indies has ever produced; Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels, both decided to drop anchor and dismantle the bowling attack of Zimbabwe on 24th February, 2015.

The pair went on to make history, with the highest partnership for any wicket in ODI cricket. They scored 372 runs for the 2nd wicket, Gayle making 215* (147) and Samuels scoring 133* (156). This effort broke yet another long-standing record of 331 runs, held by Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid for 16 years, after their exploits against against New Zealand.

#1 Fastest ODI century - AB de Villiers

AB left his mark on ODI cricket in an unforgettable fashion

Yet another record came under the ownership of AB de Villiers – one which he would possibly cherish as among his best – on the 18th of January 2015, the same day he made the fastest ODI 50 against the West Indies.

The Caribbeans endured the full wrath of Mr.360 as South Africa’s premier batsman went on to score a century in just 31 deliveries, beating the previous record held by Corey Anderson by five balls. The superstar of World cricket had, on that day, quite possibly forged a record that never may be broken.