'AB showing why he's simply the best'

AB de Villiers of South Africa celebrates smashing the fastest ever one-day century off just 31 balls during the 2nd Momentum ODI between South Africa and West Indies. Photograph: Duif du Toit/Gallo Images/Getty Images

South Africa's AB de Villiers, on Sunday, hit the fastest century in One-day Internationals against the West Indies in Johannesburg.

- De Villiers smashes fastest ODI ton in 31 balls

- Scorecard

The 30-year-old South African captain needed just 31 balls to reach 100 -- five balls fewer than Corey Anderson's hundred for New Zealand against the West Indies in 2013/14.

De Villiers made 149 off 44 balls. His innings included 16 sixes, which equalled the record set by Rohit Sharma on the way to a score of 209 for India against Australia in Bangalore in 2013/14.

It was an astonishing display of power hitting mixed with finesse.

Here are some of the reaction to De Villiers’s smashing the fastest ever one-day century.

De Villiers' batting partner Hashim Amla, who hit 153 not out:

"He said he was going to have a look for one over but hit his first six balls for 24. He is an amazing player."

Former England captain Bob Willis: "AB de Villiers' record ODI hundred off 31 balls could make him the best batsman of all time.

"I’ve been saying for the last 30 years that Viv Richards has to be the best batsman of all time -- even better than Sir Don Bradman in my book -- but I’m going to have to reassess because this guy is something extraordinary."

South Africa's captain, AB de Villiers, hits a delivery during the second One-Day International (ODI) against the West Indies. Photograph: Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters

Pakistan allrounder Shahid Afridi, who is third in the list of fastest ODI centuries -- hitting 100 off 37 balls against Sri Lanka in 1996.

"Happy new year AB de Villiers. Well played mate."

Former South Africa batsman Herschelle Gibbs: "AB showing why he's simply the best."

AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla celebrate during the 2nd Momentum ODI between South Africa and West Indies. Photograph: Duif du Toit/Gallo Images/Getty Images

Former India batsman Aakash Chopra: "I demand a DNA test of AB DeVilliers... this game is only for humans. #superhuman #WhatAPlayer"

Former England captain Michael Vaughan: "Have to say AB de Villiers is the definition of a cricketing genius. Absolutely incredible.

"When I watch him bat it reminds me that I really wasn't that good in comparison."

Zimbabwe batsman Brendan Taylor: "Not the worst entertainment from AB right now. Best in the world without a doubt."

Former South Africa captain Shaun Pollock: "World record fastest ODI century - Congrats AB de Villiers!"