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The T20 format is known for explosive batting, high strike rates, and momentum-shifting innings. But every now and then, a batsman produces something so electrifying that it rewrites the rules of speed. In this article, we count down the Fastest Fifties in T20 cricket history — record-breaking knocks that stunned the crowd, bewildered bowlers, and shook up the scorecard in a matter of minutes.
1. Yuvraj Singh – 12 Balls vs England (2007)
- Match: ICC T20 World Cup
- Venue: Durban
- Date: September 19, 2007
- Stats: 58 (16 balls), 7 sixes, 3 fours
- Highlight: Hit six sixes in an over off Stuart Broad
Yuvraj Singh’s 12-ball fifty is still the fastest in T20 internationals. His iconic rampage included a full over of sixes and set the tone for India’s World Cup triumph.
2. Chris Gayle – 12 Balls (2016 BPL)
- Team: Rangpur Riders
- Tournament: Bangladesh Premier League
- Stats: 50* off 12 balls
- Highlight: Brutal hitting with monstrous sixes
In BPL 2016, Gayle matched Yuvraj’s pace with a 12-ball demolition job. His raw power made bowlers look helpless under pressure.
3. Hazratullah Zazai – 12 Balls (2018 Afghan Premier League)
- Team: Kabul Zwanan
- Stats: 62 off 17 balls
- Highlight: Matched Yuvraj’s record for 12-ball fifty
Zazai became the third batter to smash a 50 in just 12 balls, including 6 sixes in an over. He instantly became a cricket sensation.
4. Marcus Trescothick – 13 Balls (2006)
- Match: Somerset vs Hampshire
- Tournament: English T20 Cup
- Stats: 50 off 13 balls
Before T20s went global, Trescothick showed what’s possible with a fearless approach and an open stance. His strike rate in this match? A surreal 384.61.
5. KL Rahul – 14 Balls vs Delhi Capitals (IPL 2018)
- Team: Kings XI Punjab
- Stats: 51 (16 balls)
- Highlight: Fastest fifty in IPL history
KL Rahul made his mark with elegant yet explosive strokeplay, reaching his fastest fifties in T20 in just 14 balls — an IPL record still unbroken.
6. Pat Cummins – 14 Balls vs Mumbai Indians (IPL 2022)
- Team: Kolkata Knight Riders
- Stats: 56* (15 balls)
- Highlight: Match-winning cameo as a bowler
Cummins stunned the cricket world by equaling Rahul’s record. A tailender producing the Fastest Fifties in T20? That’s the unpredictability of the format.
7. Quinton de Kock – 15 Balls (T20 Blast 2023)
- Team: Surrey
- Stats: 55 off 15 balls
His aggressive intent from ball one left the opposition stunned. De Kock’s timing and placement matched raw power — all in 15 deliveries.
8. Kieron Pollard – 15 Balls (CPL 2019)
- Team: Trinbago Knight Riders
- Stats: 51 off 15 balls
The West Indies powerhouse showed no mercy with massive sixes and sheer brute force. His innings turned a low-scoring thriller into a cakewalk.
9. Adam Gilchrist – 16 Balls (2009 IPL)
- Team: Deccan Chargers
- Stats: 50 off 16 balls
Gilly’s vintage shot-making lit up IPL 2009. His fastest Fifties in T20 laid the foundation for Deccan Chargers’ title-winning campaign.
10. Ishant Sharma – Oops, Just Kidding!
Let’s keep it real — Ishant’s fastest fifty would be in dreams. But jokes aside, T20 is a format full of surprises, and who knows which name might pop up next?
Honorable Mentions:
- AB de Villiers – 17-ball fifty (Multiple times across leagues)
- Sunil Narine – 15-ball fifty (Known for explosive pinch-hitting)
- Glenn Maxwell – 18-ball fifty (Unpredictable and unstoppable on his day)
What Makes a Fast Fifty Special?
Scoring a fastest Fifties in T20 in 12–15 balls isn’t just about power — it’s about reading the bowler, timing the shot, and maintaining ice-cold composure. In pressure-packed T20 matches, these quickfire innings often turn the tide.
Fastest Fifties in T20 Cricket
| Rank | Player | Balls | Year | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yuvraj Singh | 12 | 2007 | ICC T20 World Cup |
| 2 | Chris Gayle | 12 | 2016 | BPL |
| 3 | Hazratullah Zazai | 12 | 2018 | Afghan Premier League |
| 4 | Marcus Trescothick | 13 | 2006 | English T20 Cup |
| 5 | KL Rahul | 14 | 2018 | IPL |
| 6 | Pat Cummins | 14 | 2022 | IPL |
| 7 | Quinton de Kock | 15 | 2023 | T20 Blast |
| 8 | Kieron Pollard | 15 | 2019 | CPL |
| 9 | Adam Gilchrist | 16 | 2009 | IPL |
| 10 | AB de Villiers* | 17 | Various | T20 Leagues |
The Fastest Fifties in T20 history aren’t just statistics — they’re adrenaline-charged, career-defining moments. As the T20 format continues to evolve, these records may be broken, but the thrill will always remain the same.