Who is Jayden Draper? Teen Who Smashed Fastest Century in Youth ODIs for Australia

Jayden Draper, 18-year-old talent from Australia, grabbed all the headlines on September 24, 2025, when he shattered the record for the fastest century in young ODIs for Australia. Draper scored 100 off a mere 65 balls while playing against India U19 at Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane.

There were 8 fours and 5 massive sixes in Draper's knock, demonstrating power as well as maturity far in excess of his years. Draper arrived at a precarious 64 for 4 and transformed the match with a dazzling display of batting.

This innings not only created a new milestone in Australian youth cricket but also left him third quickest in the history of youth ODIs, behind Pakistan's Qasim Akram and India's Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The previous record holder was Harry Dixon, who had taken 104 deliveries against England in February 2023. Draper's incredible strike rate and calmness suggest that he may be Australian cricket's next big star.

Who is Jayden Draper?

Jayden Draper was born on May 3, 2007, and has risen to prominence as a promising young cricketer. Prior to the record-breaking outing, Draper had already caught attention during the U19 National Carnival in Adelaide, where he made an unbeaten 104 in a third-place playoff against South Australia. Even among the younger members of the team, Draper showed a maturity and temperament not typical for someone of his age.

Sporting ability is in the blood for the Draper family. His father, Scott Draper, had an unusual career spanning for two different sports. Scott initially came to prominence on the tennis court, teaming with former Australia tennis star Samantha Stosur to capture the Australian Open mixed doubles title in 2005.

Scott transitioned to professional golf subsequently, setting aside the family's sporty diversity. Jayden is currently extending that tradition, making his impact not through incremental improvement but through powerful, game-winning performances.

Draper's Record Breaking Century

There came the record century in the game between India U19 and Australia U19. Draper made 100 runs off only 65 balls, with 8 boundaries and 5 sixes. He crossed his century on the fourth ball of the 40th over, in front of a bowling attack headed by Kishan Kumar.

Fastest Centuries in Youth ODIs for Australia

Draper's 65-ball century is third quickest in U19 ODI history, only behind Vaibhav Suryavanshi (India) and Qasim Akram (Pakistan).

Fastest Centuries in Youth ODIs

What Makes Jayden Draper Special

Draper's success is a result of talent, technique, and temperament. He performs well under pressure, evident from his capacity to save his team from situations of danger. His strike rate and aggressiveness as an opener in youth cricket render him a menacing opener and a potential future star for the senior Australian side.

At only 18, Draper has already demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, so watch out for him at future international youth tournaments and possibly senior cricket in a couple of years' time. His progress mirrors that of his father but with cricket as his sport of choice, and his record-breaking century might be the beginning of something special.