Top 5 Fastest 50 In One Day International (ODI) Cricket
While Suryakumar Yadav's brilliant half-century off just 24 balls in the second ODI between India and Australia in Indore was certainly an exhilarating display of batting ability, it is also important to look back at some of the fastest fifties scored by an Indian batsman in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
One name that particularly stands out in this context is Yuvraj Singh, the fearless left-hander known for his ability to take the game away from the opposition in a very short space of time.
1. Yuvraj Singh – 12 Balls
Yuvraj Singh's iconic innings in the first T20 World Cup in 2007 against England is etched in the memories of cricket fans. He achieved a 12-ball half-century and announced India's entry into the T20 format with sheer audacity. His 66 in one over against Stuart Broad is a historic moment in Indian cricket.
2. Virat Kohli – 17 balls
Virat Kohli is known for his excellent batting and has also shown his aggressive side in ODIs. He reached his fifty in just 17 balls against Australia in 2013, showcasing his versatility as a batsman. This innings showed his ability to adapt to different formats.
3. Yusuf Pathan – 17 balls
A powerful all-rounder, Yusuf Pathan showcased his batting prowess against South Africa in 2010. He hit a half-century off 17 balls, showcasing his destructive power with the bat.
4. Kedar Jadhav – 29 balls
Kedar Jadhav played a key role in India’s memorable fightback against England in 2017. His 50 off 29 balls helped India secure a thrilling win. It was a testament to his ability to speed up his innings when required.
5. Hardik Pandya – 32 balls
Another modern all-rounder, Hardik Pandya has shown explosive batting skills. In a pressure-packed match against Pakistan in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, Pandya hit a 32-ball fifty. Though India lost the match, their innings showed their potential as a finisher. Going back to Suryakumar Yadav's stellar performance, his 24-ball fifty against Australia in 2023 proved the evolving nature of Indian cricket. The ability of new talent like Suryakumar to adapt to the demands of modern ODI cricket is a testament to the depth of Indian cricket. India has witnessed some incredible power hitters in ODIs over the years.
Yuvraj Singh's 12-ball fifty remains an iconic moment, but players like Virat Kohli, Yusuf Parthan, Kedar Jadhav and Hardik Pandya have also made their mark with fast fifties. Suryakumar Yadav's recent performance is a reminder of the evolving dynamics of the sport and the exciting talents emerging in Indian cricket.