In the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, batsmen often push the boundaries of what’s possible. Among the most thrilling achievements is the race to score the fastest fifty. This article explores the remarkable players who have etched their names in cricket history with their lightning-quick half-centuries.
Fastest fifty in T20
Dipendra Singh Airee scored an unbeaten 52 off just 10 balls in the match played at the Zhejiang University of Technology Pingfeng Cricket Field in Hangzhou, Republic of China.
Dipendra Singh Airee | 9 | Nepal | Mongolia | 2023 |
Ashutosh Sharma | 11 | Railways | Arunachal Pradesh | 2023 |
Yuvraj Singh | 12 | India | England | 2007 |
Chris Gayle | 12 | Melbourne Renegades | Adelaide Strikers | 2016 |
Hazratullah Zazai | 12 | Kabul Zwanan | Balkh Legends | 2018 |
Marcus Trescothick | 13 | Somerset | Hampshire | 2010 |
Mirza Ahsan | 13 | Austria | Luxembourg | 2019 |
Sunil Narine | 13 | Comilla Victorians | Chattogram Challengers | 2022 |
Yashasvi Jaiswal | 13 | Rajasthan Royals | Kolkata Knight Riders | 2023 |
Imran Nazir | 14 | Sialkot | Lahore Eagles | 2005 |
Gerard Brophy | 14 | Yorkshire | Derbyshire | 2006 |
Kieran Noema-Barnett | 14 | Central Districts | Otago | 2010 |
Kieron Pollard | 14 | Trinidad & Tobago | Leeward Islands | 2012 |
Colin Munro | 14 | New Zealand | Sri Lanka | 2016 |
Farhaan Behardien | 14 | Titans | Warriors | 2016 |
KL Rahul | 14 | Kings XI Punjab | Delhi Daredevils | 2018 |
Abhay Negi | 14 | Meghalaya | Mizoram | 2019 |
Andre Russell | 14 | Colombo Kings | Galle Gladiators | 2020 |
Ramesh Satheesan | 14 | Romania | Serbia | 2021 |
Andre Russell | 14 | Jamaica Tallawahs | St Lucia Kings | 2021 |
Pat Cummins | 14 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Mumbai Indians | 2022 |
Saurab Chauhan | 14 | Gujarat | Arunachal Pradesh | 2023 |
Sahil Chauhan | 14 | Estonia | Cyprus | 2024 |
The New World Record Holder: Dipendra Singh Airee
A Stunning Display at the Asian Games
Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee now holds the record for the fastest fifty in T20 cricket:
- Scored against Mongolia at the Asian Games 2023
- Reached 50 runs in just 9 balls
- Final score: 52 not out off 10 balls
- Hit 8 sixes, including 6 consecutive sixes
- 5 of those sixes came in a single over
This extraordinary performance not only set a new world record but also showcased the potential of emerging cricket nations on the global stage.
The Previous Record: Yuvraj Singh’s Iconic Innings
A Moment That Defined T20 Cricket
For nearly 16 years, Yuvraj Singh held the record for the fastest T20 fifty:
- Scored against England at Durban in the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup
- Reached 50 runs in 12 balls
- Final score: 58 off 16 balls
- Hit 3 fours and 7 sixes
- Made history by hitting 6 sixes in one over bowled by Stuart Broad
Yuvraj’s innings remains one of the most memorable moments in cricket history and still stands as the fastest fifty in T20 World Cup history.
India’s Domestic Record: Ashutosh Sharma
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Brilliance
While Yuvraj holds the international record for India, the domestic record belongs to Ashutosh Sharma:
- Played for Railways against Arunachal Pradesh in October 2023
- Reached 50 runs in 11 balls
- Final score: 53 off 12 balls
- Hit 1 four and 8 sixes
- Contributed to Railways’ massive total of 246/5