In Test cricket, quick-fire fifties are rare but spectacular. Over the years, some players have stunned the world with their aggressive batting even in the longest format. Recently, during the AUS vs IND 5th Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, Rishabh Pant displayed one such exceptional performance, scoring a rapid fifty off just 29 balls. This article highlights the top 10 fastest 50s in Test cricket, including Pant’s latest achievement.
Top 10 Fastest 50s in Test Cricket (By Balls Faced)
Here’s a list of the fastest fifties in Test cricket history:
| Rank | Balls | Player | Match | Location | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 21 | Misbah-ul-Haq | Pakistan vs Australia | Abu Dhabi | 2014 |
| 2 | 23 | David Warner | Australia vs Pakistan | Sydney | 2017 |
| 3 | 24 | Jacques Kallis | South Africa vs Zimbabwe | Cape Town | 2005 |
| 4 | 24 | Ben Stokes | England vs West Indies | Birmingham | 2024 |
| 5 | 25 | Shane Shillingford | West Indies vs New Zealand | Kingston | 2014 |
| 6 | 26 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan vs India | Bangalore | 2005 |
| 7 | 26 | Mohammad Ashraful | Bangladesh vs India | Mirpur | 2007 |
| 8 | 26 | Dale Steyn | South Africa vs West Indies | Port Elizabeth | 2014 |
| 9 | 28 | Chris Gayle | West Indies vs New Zealand | Port of Spain | 2014 |
| 10 | 29 | Rishabh Pant | India vs Australia | Sydney | 2025 |
Rishabh Pant’s Blazing Fifty in AUS vs IND 5th Test (BGT 2024-25)
In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Rishabh Pant once again proved his mettle with an aggressive knock during India’s second innings against Australia. Pant reached his half-century in just 29 balls, hitting 6 fours and 4 sixes. His strike rate of 196.77 left the Australian bowlers struggling to contain him.
Score Summary:
- India 1st Innings: 185 (72.2 overs)
- Australia 1st Innings: 123 all out (41.3 overs)
- India 2nd Innings: 124/4 (21.5 overs)
- Rishabh Pant: 61 (31 balls)
- Partnership: 44 runs (21 balls) with Ravindra Jadeja
Pant’s quick runs helped India extend their lead to 128, setting the tone for a possible victory.
Partnerships
During Pant’s innings, the partnerships played a crucial role in stabilizing India’s innings:
| Wicket | Batter 1 | Batter 2 | Runs Scored |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Yashasvi Jaiswal | Lokesh Rahul | 42 |
| 2nd | Yashasvi Jaiswal | Shubman Gill | 5 |
| 3rd | Shubman Gill | Virat Kohli | 12 |
| 4th | Shubman Gill | Rishabh Pant | 19 |
| 5th | Rishabh Pant | Ravindra Jadeja | 46 |
Bowling Figures (Australia)
Despite Australia’s strong bowling attack, Pant managed to counter them effectively:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Starc | 3.5 | 0 | 36 | 0 | 9.39 |
| Pat Cummins (C) | 7.0 | 3 | 21 | 0 | 3.00 |
| Scott Boland | 8.0 | 1 | 37 | 3 | 4.63 |
| Beau Webster | 3.0 | 1 | 23 | 1 | 7.67 |
Read Also:- Fastest batters to 1000 Test Runs
Pant’s Knock Compared to Other Fastest 50s
Pant’s half-century ranks among the top 10 fastest in Test cricket history. His ability to switch gears from defensive play to aggressive hitting makes him a unique player in modern cricket.
- Consistency: Pant’s quick scoring ability has often turned matches in India’s favor.
- Aggression: His fearless approach, even against top-class bowlers like Cummins and Starc, is what sets him apart.
The fastest fifties in Test cricket history remind us that even in the longest format, aggression can play a crucial role. Rishabh Pant’s recent knock in the AUS vs IND 5th Test is a testament to his skill and fearless mindset. With more matches to come, it will be exciting to see if Pant or any other player can break into the top 5 fastest 50s.
Stay tuned for more updates on the BGT 2024-25 and other cricketing records!
