Top 10 Fastest 50 in Cricket History – Historic Moment
Cricket has seen some extraordinary moments, and one of the most thrilling is when a player smashes a half-century in record time. Here, we take a look at the top 10 fastest fifties in cricket history, showcasing the skills of some of the most explosive batsmen in the game. These incredible feats are a testament to the power, precision, and sheer excitement that cricket can deliver.
1. Yuvraj Singh – 12 Balls (India vs England, 2007)
Yuvraj Singh holds the record for the fastest half-century in T20 International cricket, which came off just 12 balls against England during the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup. His innings is famous for the over where he smashed six consecutive sixes off Stuart Broad, becoming an iconic moment in cricket history.
2. Chris Gayle – 12 Balls (Melbourne Renegades vs Adelaide Strikers, 2016)
Chris Gayle, known as the “Universe Boss,” equaled Yuvraj Singh’s record with a 12-ball fifty in the Big Bash League 2016. Playing for the Melbourne Renegades, he displayed his brute power against the Adelaide Strikers, hitting seven sixes and two fours in his explosive innings.
3. Hazratullah Zazai – 12 Balls (Afghanistan vs Ireland, 2019)
Hazratullah Zazai made headlines by scoring a 12-ball fifty for Afghanistan against Ireland in a T20 International in 2019. Zazai’s destructive batting helped Afghanistan set a world record for the highest team score in T20Is, 278/3.
4. Kieron Pollard – 15 Balls (Trinidad & Tobago vs Leeward Islands, 2016)
Kieron Pollard hammered a 15-ball half-century during the 2016 Caribbean Premier League, playing for Trinidad & Tobago. His innings included five sixes and four fours, showcasing his strength and aggression in limited-overs cricket.
5. AB de Villiers – 16 Balls (South Africa vs West Indies, 2015)
The South African legend, AB de Villiers, known for his 360-degree batting style, smashed a 16-ball fifty against the West Indies in an ODI in 2015. He continued his rampage to score the fastest century in ODI history, off just 31 balls, cementing his reputation as one of cricket’s most dynamic batsmen.
6. Marcus Trescothick – 16 Balls (Somerset vs Hampshire, 2010)
Former England opener Marcus Trescothick scored a rapid 16-ball half-century for Somerset in the 2010 T20 Blast. His knock against Hampshire was filled with boundary-hitting and showcased his ability to dominate bowlers in the shortest format.
7. Martin Guptill – 17 Balls (Worcestershire vs Northamptonshire, 2018)
New Zealand’s Martin Guptill hit a blistering 17-ball fifty for Worcestershire against Northamptonshire in the Vitality T20 Blast 2018. His power-packed innings was characterized by clean hitting and incredible timing.
8. David Miller – 18 Balls (South Africa vs Bangladesh, 2017)
South African power-hitter David Miller registered an 18-ball half-century against Bangladesh in a T20 International in 2017. His explosive innings helped South Africa post a mammoth total and saw Miller hit five sixes in an over.
9. Glenn Maxwell – 18 Balls (Melbourne Stars vs Melbourne Renegades, 2014)
Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, known for his innovative shots, scored an 18-ball fifty for the Melbourne Stars in a Big Bash League game against the Melbourne Renegades in 2014. His fearless batting approach made him a nightmare for bowlers.
10. Simon O’Donnell – 18 Balls (Australia vs Sri Lanka, 1990)
Australian cricketer Simon O’Donnell achieved an 18-ball half-century against Sri Lanka in an ODI back in 1990. His powerful hitting was ahead of its time, making this feat remarkable in an era when big hitting was not as common.
Conclusion
The fastest half-centuries in cricket not only provide entertainment but also showcase the evolution of batting in the modern game. From blistering knocks in T20 leagues to historic ODI performances, these feats demonstrate the batsmen’s ability to change the course of a match in mere minutes. These records are etched in cricket’s rich history and will continue to inspire future generations of players.
