Test cricket, traditionally known for its strategic and measured pace, has occasionally been electrified by players who can accelerate the scoring and put their mark on the game with remarkable speed. Achieving a fifty in the fewest possible balls is a testament to a player’s aggressive intent and exceptional batting skills. Here’s a look at the top 5 players who have set records for the fastest fifty in Test cricket:
In Bangalore, India, in 2005, Shahid Afridi hit a half-century off just 26 balls. Younis Khan and Inzamam-ul-Haq scored hundreds to help Pakistan reach 570 in their opening innings. They set India a target of 383 when they declared at 261/2 in the second innings. Pakistan won the match thanks to Afridi’s three wickets as well.
In a match against New Zealand in Kingston in 2014, Shane Shillingford of the West Indies amassed a fifty-five off 25 balls, going undefeated on 53 off 29 with five sixes and three fours. In 16 Test matches, he amassed 266 runs, including one fifty, and claimed 70 wickets.
Jacques Kallis, one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders, scored the fastest fifty in Test cricket off 24 balls against Zimbabwe in 2005. With five wickets taken, he stayed undefeated at 54 and was named Player of the Match as South Africa triumphed by an innings and 21 runs.
When David Warner scored a fifty in 23 balls against Pakistan in Sydney in 2017, he set a record for the second-fastest fifty in Test cricket. Warner scored 113 to help Australia declare at 538/8. With 315 points in response, Pakistan led by the undefeated 175 of Younis Khan. Australia eventually prevailed, dismissing Pakistan for 244 after setting them a goal of 465.
The fastest fifty in Test cricket history was achieved by Misbah-ul-Haq in an Abu Dhabi match against Australia in 2014; it took just 21 balls. Pakistan declared at 570/6 after he ended with 101 off 168 balls. They gave Australia a target of 603 and won the match after Australia gave up for 246 with five wickets taken by Zulfiqar Babar.
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