Scoring big in international cricket is a goal for many, but only a few really make it happen. Some players notch these milestones and find their names in the record books next to cricketing legends. There have been quite a few who’ve batted brilliantly, hitting a lot of boundaries while using fewer balls. In this piece, we’ll check out the players who scored the fastest 50s in ODI cricket.
AB de Villiers – 16 Balls
At the top of the list is the South African star AB de Villiers. He shared this record with Matthew Forde after a stunning performance against the West Indies back in 2015 in Johannesburg. He got to his half-century in just 16 balls and ended up with 149 runs off 44 balls, with nine fours and 16 sixes. His strike rate was an incredible 338.63, leading South Africa to a huge total of 439 runs for just two wickets. Other big scores came from Hashim Amla, who made 153*, and Riley Rossouw with 128, while the West Indies could only manage 291, losing by a hefty 148 runs. This was one of South Africa’s biggest wins ever.
Matthew Forde – 16 Balls
Sharing the top spot is newcomer Matthew Forde from the West Indies. He had an outstanding outing against Ireland in the second ODI at Castle Avenue in Dublin, scoring his half-century in just 16 balls and ending up with 58 runs from 19 balls. His effort helped West Indies post 352 runs after 50 overs. Forde hit two boundaries and eight sixes, with an impressive strike rate of 305.26.
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Sanath Jayasuriya – 17 Balls
Another player at number three is Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya, who scored a half-century in 17 balls against Pakistan in Singapore in 1996. He made 76 runs off 28 balls, striking eight fours and five sixes, with a strike rate of 271.42. Unfortunately, despite his efforts, Sri Lanka lost by 43 runs, falling short of chasing down Pakistan’s 216 after being bowled out for 172.
Kusal Perera – 17 Balls
Also at number three is Kusal Perera, who netted his 50 in 17 balls, finishing with 68 runs from 25 deliveries, including 13 fours and two sixes, at a strike rate of 272. He played a key role in helping Sri Lanka chase down Pakistan’s 287 in 2015 at Pallekele, getting the target in 48.1 overs with two wickets still in hand.
Martin Guptill – 17 Balls
Rounding out the three-way tie at number three is Martin Guptill from New Zealand. He scored a quick half-century in 17 balls against Sri Lanka in 2015 at Christchurch, eventually making 93 runs with eight sixes and nine fours. New Zealand won comfortably by 10 wickets after bowling out Sri Lanka for just 117 and chasing down the total in only 8.2 overs, thanks to Guptill’s explosive innings where he faced just 30 balls.
