The limited-overs ODI format has undergone significant transformations since its inception in 1971, taking on an unexpected shape and structure in 2022. January 2021 marked the 50th anniversary of the introduction of One Day cricket, and today, we witness unique formats such as T10 and the Hundred. The lingering question remains: who holds the record for the fastest 50 in ODI cricket?
Despite the witnessed evolution, achieving a half-century within 20 deliveries remains a rare feat, with only a handful of instances recorded. Let’s delve into the top 10 fastest fifties in ODI cricket, moments that have left an indelible mark in the memories of cricket enthusiasts.
Here is our list of top 10 batters who have scored remarkable half-centuries in ODI cricket. Their performances have earned them our spot for the fastest 50 in ODI scored.
Also read: ICC Cricket Schedule 2024
Table of Contents
Summary – Fastest 50 in ODI History
Here is a summary of the top 10 batters who have scored the fastest 50 in ODI History. AB de Villiers holds the current record, scoring 50 in only 16 balls, followed by Sanath Jaysuriya & Kusal Perera who have done it in 17 balls.
| No | Player | Match | Total Runs | Deliveries taken to score 50 |
| 1 | AB de Villiers | South Africa v West Indies | 149 | 16 |
| 2 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka v Pakistan | 76 | 17 |
| 3 | Kusal Perera | Sri Lanka v Pakistan | 68 | 17 |
| 4 | Martin Guptill | New Zealand v Sri Lanka | 93 | 17 |
| 5 | Liam Livingstone | England v the Netherlands | 66* | 17 |
| 6 | Simon O’Donnell | Australia v Sri Lanka | 74 | 18 |
| 7 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan v Sri Lanka | 102 | 18 |
| 8 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan v the Netherlands | 55* | 18 |
| 9 | Glenn Maxwell | Australia v India | 60 | 18 |
| 10 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan v Bangladesh | 59 | 18 |
1. AB de Villiers vs West Indies in January 2015 – 16 balls
AB de Villiers’ innings against West Indies on January 18, 2015, in Johannesburg, was a destructive masterpiece. Joining the batting lineup with less than 13 overs left, he swiftly scored the fastest 50 in ODI cricket in just 16 deliveries, including a massive six over long-off.
De Villiers then set a new record for the fastest international century in just 31 balls, concluding with a remarkable 149 runs off 44 balls, featuring 16 sixes and 9 fours. His ruthless brilliance left an unforgettable mark on international cricket.
Also read: Batsmen with the Most Runs in ODI Cricket
2. Sanath Jayasuriya vs Pakistan in April 1996 – 17 balls
In the explosive world of cricket, few match Sanath Jayasuriya’s menace. During the 1996 Singer Cup final against Pakistan, he aggressively pursued the 216-run target, scoring 76 runs in just 28 balls and recording the second fastest 50 in ODI cricket in just 17 deliveries, with 8 fours and 6 sixes.
Despite his brilliance, Sri Lanka stumbled after his dismissal, ultimately losing the game. It took almost two decades for another player to break Jayasuriya’s record, and when it happened, it was done in impressive style.
3. Kusal Perera vs Pakistan in August 2015 – 17 balls
Frequently likened to the great Sanath Jayasuriya, Kusal Perera fittingly matched his idol’s record by reaching a fifty in just 17 balls. Coincidentally, both Perera and Jayasuriya accomplished this feat against the same opponent – Pakistan.
In the game at Pallekelle, Sri Lanka chased 288 runs, and Perera provided a scintillating start. Taking advantage of field restrictions, he reached his fifty in 17 balls and concluded with a rapid 25-ball 68, featuring 13 fours and 2 sixes. This earns Kusal the third position on our list of fastest 50 in ODI cricket
4. Martin Guptill vs Sri Lanka in December 2015 – 17 balls
In the second ODI of their bilateral series in Christchurch, New Zealand bowlers Matt Henry and Mitchell McClenaghan dismissed Sri Lanka for a mere 117 runs in their innings. Martin Guptill, coming off a sensational World Cup campaign a few months earlier, displayed a dominating performance, scoring an unbeaten 93 in just 30 balls.
His explosive innings comprised 9 fours and 8 sixes. Although he fell short of breaking AB de Villiers’ fastest 100 record, the limited target restricted the chase. Guptill did achieve a swift fifty, reaching the milestone in just 17 balls.
5. Liam Livingstone vs Netherlands in June 2022 – 17 balls
Liam Livingstone of England shares the joint second-fastest 50 in ODI cricket, achieving the milestone in just 17 deliveries. He played a pivotal role in a groundbreaking partnership with Jos Buttler, who was aiming to break his own record for the fastest ODI century by an English batter but fell short.
Livingstone concluded the innings unbeaten with 66 off 22 balls as England surpassed its own record, setting the highest-ever ODI innings total and eclipsing the previous mark of 481 for six against Australia.
6. Simon O’Donnell vs Sri Lanka in May 1990 – 18 balls
In the Austral-Asia Cup 1990, Simon O’Donnell orchestrated a rapid assault on Sri Lanka, establishing the record for the fastest fifty in ODI cricket. This marked the first instance in international cricket where a batsman completed a fifty in less than 20 deliveries.
Dean Jones contributed a sensational hundred, providing O’Donnell the freedom to unleash his aggression. O’Donnell, in a spectacular display, struck 6 sixes and 4 fours on his way to a 29-ball 74, achieving his fifty in just 18 balls.
7. Shahid Afridi vs Sri Lanka in October 1996 – 18 balls
Once again, it’s none other than Shahid Afridi making headlines. In a remarkable performance against Sri Lanka in Nairobi, the Pakistani powerhouse showcased his extraordinary talent to the world.
Afridi achieved both the second-fastest 50 in ODI cricket and the fastest hundred (in 37 balls) during this innings, records that were eventually surpassed.
His explosive display included 6 fours and an impressive 11 sixes, leading to a 40-ball 102. Notably, he reached his half-century in just 18 deliveries, making this knock particularly special.
8. Shahid Afridi vs Netherlands in September 2002 – 18 balls
In the 2002 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, Pakistan breezed past the Netherlands, thanks once again to the enchanting skills of Shahid Afridi. Restricting the Dutch to 136 runs in their innings posed no challenge for the Asian side.
Afridi, batting at number three, unleashed havoc upon the Netherlands bowlers. With a blistering performance that included 6 sixes and 4 fours, he amassed an 18-ball 55. Pakistan secured victory with ease, winning the game by 9 wickets and with 202 balls to spare.
9. Glenn Maxwell vs India in November 2013 – 18 balls
In the climactic Decider of the thrilling 7-match ODI series between India and Australia in late 2013, both teams were vying for a series win in Bengaluru. Despite India setting a challenging 384-run target with Rohit Sharma’s maiden double-century, Australia remained undaunted.
Notably, Glenn Maxwell delivered a sensational cameo at number 6. Despite Australia losing quick wickets, the Victorian all-rounder showed no mercy to the Indian bowlers, reaching a fifty in just 18 deliveries. His aggressive innings concluded with a brisk 22-ball 62, only to be halted by Vinay Kumar.
10. Shahid Afridi vs Bangladesh, March 2014 – 18 balls
The Pakistani all-rounder is renowned for creating fireworks with the bat, and Bangladesh experienced this firsthand in Mirpur during the Asia Cup in 2014. In a group stage match where Pakistan faced the challenge of chasing 327 runs, the 1992 World champions appeared to be in a tough spot, but Afridi had different intentions.
Teaming up with Fawad Alam, Afridi played a pivotal role, contributing a vital 25-ball 59. Against all expectations, Pakistan successfully chased the target, and in this impressive display, Afridi reached his fifty in just 18 deliveries.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who has scored the fastest 50 in ODI history?
AB de Villiers set the record for the fastest 50 in ODI cricket, achieving the milestone in just 16 balls. This remarkable feat occurred during South Africa’s second match against West Indies in Johannesburg in 2015.
Who has the fastest 50 in men’s cricket?
Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee holds the record for the fastest fifty in cricket history, achieving a nine-ball half-century against Mongolia in the 2023 Asian Games.
Who has the fastest 50 for India in ODI?
Ajit Agarkar has the record for the fastest fifty in ODIs for India, reaching the milestone in just 21 balls.
What is the fastest 50 in AB de Villiers?
AB de Villiers, the former South African cricketer, holds the record for the fastest fifty in ODIs, accomplishing this feat in just 16 balls against the West Indies in 2015 during an innings in Johannesburg.
Who hit most fifties in cricket history?
Sachin Tendulkar stands as the highest run-scorer in World Cups and also holds the record for the most fifties. With 15 half-centuries in 45 World Cup matches, his highest score was an unbeaten 152 against Namibia. While excelling in all forms of cricket, Tendulkar left an enduring impact, particularly shining in the World Cup.
What is the fastest 50 of Dhoni?
Dhoni eclipsed Kieron Pollard’s record fifty in 16 balls by achieving it against Hyderabad’s Thisara Perera in the process. Dhoni concluded with a score of 63 off 19 balls, featuring four fours and eight powerful sixes, contributing significantly to Chennai’s total of 202 against Hyderabad.