Rohit Sharma smashed the third fastest fifty by an India in T20 World Cups (Twitter)
T20 cricket has revolutionised the way cricket is played and perceived. With its non-stop action, T20 cricket demands aggressive batting, innovative shot-making, and quick scoring.
The T20 World Cup, since its inception in 2007, has been a platform where the world’s best cricketers display their skills and entertain millions of fans with breathtaking knocks. Among these quickfire innings, certain performances stand out for their sheer audacity and impact on the game.
Rohit Sharma, known for his elegant yet destructive batting, registered the third-fastest half-century by an Indian in T20 World Cup history during a Super Eight match against Australia in St. Lucia in the ongoing 2024 edition.
Smashing every Aussie bowler to smithereens, Rohit reached the 50-run mark off just 19 balls, showcasing his incredible hitting and composure under pressure. This stunning performance added to the rich legacy of quickfire fifties in T20 World Cups.
Here’s a detailed look at the top five fastest fifties in T20 World Cup history.
Yuvraj Singh (Twitter)
Yuvraj Singh’s innings against England in the inaugural T20 World Cup remains etched in cricketing legend.
On September 19, 2007, in Durban, Yuvraj took Stuart Broad to the cleaners, hitting him for six consecutive sixes and racing to his fifty in just 12 balls—the fastest in T20 World Cup history.
This blitzkrieg propelled India to a formidable total of 218/4. Yuvraj’s knock was a bolt from the blue for the English bowlers and played a massive role in India’s march to the title.
Stephan Myburgh (Twitter)
In a do-or-die match for the Netherlands during the 2014 T20 World Cup, Stephan Myburgh’s 17-ball fifty against Ireland was a sight to behold.
Chasing 190 for a place in the Super 10s, Myburgh’s whirlwind innings set the tone for an improbable chase. His explosive batting left the Irish bowlers at sixes and sevens, ensuring the Netherlands reached the target in just 13.5 overs.
Myburgh’s sensational knock of 63 off 23 balls included four boundaries and seven maximums as the Dutch emerged victorious.
Marcus Stoinis (Twitter)
Marcus Stoinis matched Myburgh’s feat with his own 17-ball fifty against Sri Lanka in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
In a crucial Super 12 match, Stoinis entered the fray with Australia needing a brisk chase. His power-packed innings dismantled the Sri Lankan bowling attack, helping Australia chase down the target of 158 with ease.
Stoinis’ blitz (59 off 18) which included four fours and six maximums, was the icing on the cake for Australia, proving his reputation as one of the most dangerous hitters in T20 cricket
Glenn Maxwell (X.com)
Glenn Maxwell’s 18-ball fifty against Pakistan in the 2014 T20 World Cup was an absolute masterclass in aggressive batting.
In a group stage match, Maxwell’s rapid knock came at a time when Australia was chasing a huge target of 192.
Despite his efforts, Australia lost the match by 16 runs, but Maxwell’s knock of 74 off 33 balls, which included seven fours and six sixes, was a highlight reel of his ability to shift gears in a heartbeat.
His sensational knock remains one of the standout performances in T20 World Cup history, proving that Maxwell can take the game by the scruff of the neck as he has done so often in his career.
KL Rahul (X.com)
KL Rahul’s 18-ball fifty against Scotland in the 2021 T20 World Cup showcased his brilliance at the top of the order.
Chasing a modest target of 86, Rahul’s blitzkrieg ensured India reached the target in just 6.3 overs, giving their net run rate a massive boost.
His innings that was laced with six fours and three six, helped India keep their semifinal hopes alive. Rahul’s rapid fifty remains the second-fastest fifty by an Indian at the T20 World Cup.
