The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for its thrilling matches and explosive performances. Over the years, several players have made their mark by scoring the fastest half-centuries. Here are some of the most exciting innings that have entertained fans and left a lasting impression in the league’s history.
5. Sunil Narine – 15 Balls vs RCB
In the IPL 2017 match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Sunil Narine made headlines not just for his bowling but also for his batting. Known primarily for his exceptional bowling skills, Narine opened the batting for KKR and made an immediate impact. He scored the fastest half-century of the season in just 15 balls.
During his innings, he hit three consecutive sixes off Samuel Badree in a single over and completed his fifty with another huge six. Narine’s explosive batting came to an end when he was dismissed for 54 runs off 17 balls after top-edging a short-pitched delivery to wicket-keeper Kedar Jadhav. This innings showcased Narine’s all-round capabilities and added to his reputation as a game-changer.
4. Yusuf Pathan – 15 Balls vs SRH
In the final league game of IPL 2014, Yusuf Pathan delivered a sensational performance for Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. KKR needed to chase down 161 runs in 15.2 overs to secure a spot in the final. Yusuf, who was dropped twice early in his innings, made the most of his luck. He unleashed an aggressive attack, scoring 26 runs in one over bowled by Dale Steyn.
Pathan reached his half-century in just 15 balls, helping KKR finish the chase in 14.2 overs. His performance was crucial in leading KKR to victory and demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure.
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3. Pat Cummins – 14 Balls vs MI
In IPL 2022, Pat Cummins, an all-rounder for Kolkata Knight Riders, equaled KL Rahul’s record by scoring a half-century in just 14 balls during a match against the Mumbai Indians at DY Patil Stadium in Pune. Cummins dominated Daniel Sams, scoring 35 runs in a single over and guiding KKR to chase down a target of 162 runs with four overs to spare.
He wrapped up the match with an impressive 56 runs off 15 balls, including four boundaries and six sixes. However, Cummins also struggled with the ball, conceding 49 runs in four overs while taking two wickets. His ability to turn the game with both bat and ball made him a standout player in this match.
2. KL Rahul – 14 Balls vs DC
In the 2018 IPL season, KL Rahul played his first match for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) against Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and set the stage on fire. He scored a rapid half-century in just 14 balls, achieving an extraordinary strike rate of 318.75.
At one point, Rahul was only 27 runs off nine balls, making a fifty seem challenging. However, he unleashed a furious attack on Amit Mishra, scoring 24 runs in one over. Rahul’s innings ended with him being the top scorer for his team, helping Kings XI Punjab secure a comfortable six-wicket victory.
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1. Yashasvi Jaiswal – 13 Balls vs KKR
The record for the fastest fifty in IPL history is held by Yashasvi Jaiswal, who achieved this incredible feat in IPL 2023. Opening for Rajasthan Royals, Jaiswal displayed remarkable aggression, scoring his fifty in just 13 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders. This performance broke the previous joint record held by Pat Cummins and KL Rahul.
Jaiswal continued his impressive form, finishing with an unbeaten 98 runs while helping Rajasthan chase down a target of 150 runs in just 13.1 overs. His innings included 12 fours and five sixes, making it a memorable performance that ranks as the second-fastest fifty in any form of cricket, just behind Yuvraj Singh’s 12-ball fifty in the first ICC T20 World Cup in 2007.
List of Fastest Fifties in IPL History
Player | Team | Balls Faced | Runs Scored | Year |
---|---|---|---|---|
Yashasvi Jaiswal | Rajasthan Royals | 13 | 98* | 2023 |
KL Rahul | Kings XI Punjab | 14 | 51 | 2018 |
Pat Cummins | Kolkata Knight Riders | 14 | 56 | 2022 |
Yusuf Pathan | Kolkata Knight Riders | 15 | 72 | 2014 |
Sunil Narine | Kolkata Knight Riders | 15 | 54 | 2017 |