Maiden Century

maiden century ( collocation)
/ˈmeɪ.dən ˈsɛn.tʃə.ri/

Meaning

• A "maiden century" refers to a cricketer's first-ever score of 100 runs in a single innings.
• It denotes the inaugural instance when a player accumulates a triple-digit score during a match.
• This term signifies the initial achievement of reaching 100 runs by a batsman in their career.

Example Sentences

1. The young batsman celebrated his maiden century with great enthusiasm.
2. Scoring a maiden century boosted her confidence for future matches.
3. The crowd gave a standing ovation when he reached his maiden century.
4. Achieving a maiden century is a memorable milestone in any cricketer's career.
5. After years of dedication, she finally secured her maiden century in the championship game.

Origin and History

The term "maiden century" is deeply rooted in cricket terminology, combining "maiden," meaning first or initial, with "century," denoting a score of 100 runs. In this context, it signifies a player's first achievement of scoring 100 runs in a single innings.

Theories on the Term's Origin

Several theories exist regarding the origin of "maiden century." One suggests that "maiden" refers to the player's first significant milestone, akin to a maiden voyage or maiden speech, indicating an inaugural achievement. Another theory posits that the term draws from the concept of purity or untouched status, implying that the player has reached this milestone for the first time, untainted by prior similar achievements. The term "maiden," meaning an unmarried girl or young woman, historically symbolizes purity, innocence, or something uninitiated. In the context of "maiden century," it metaphorically represents the cricketer's first or untainted achievement of scoring 100 runs, paralleling the idea of a "first" or "untouched" milestone.

Earliest Recorded Usage

Determining the exact first use of "maiden century" in print is challenging due to limited digitized archives. However, cricket literature from the late 19th and early 20th centuries began documenting players' achievements, including their first centuries. For instance, Charles Bannerman's score of 165 not out in 1877 is often cited as the first century in Test cricket.

While the specific phrase "maiden century" may not have been used in these early accounts, the concept was present.

Cultural Significance in Cricket

The phrase "maiden century" holds significant cultural importance in cricket, symbolizing a player's entry into an elite group who have achieved this milestone. It is often celebrated with great enthusiasm by both players and fans, marking a moment of personal and professional triumph.