The introduction of T20 cricket has revolutionised the approach and mindset of contemporary batters to the game. Cricket fans have witnessed a significant rise in the success and recognition of those players for their aggressive and entertaining batting style. Batters now favour a strategy of hitting sixes right from the first ball, applying pressure on the bowlers. There have been various instances when batters scored the fastest fifty in the ODI format of the cricket.
Let’s explore some of the occasions when batters achieved this remarkable feat in One Day Internationals.
Fastest Fifty in ODI Format
The list of the top 5 batters to score the fastest fifty in the ODI is as follows:
| Batters | Team | Opponent | Balls | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AB de Villiers | South Africa | West Indies | 16 | 2015 |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | Pakistan | 17 | 1996 |
| Kusal Perera | Sri Lanka | Pakistan | 17 | 2015 |
| Martin Guptill | New Zealand | Sri Lanka | 17 | 2015 |
| Liam Livingstone | England | Netherlands | 17 | 2022 |
1. AB de Villiers
No international cricket spectacle has been as destructive and ruthless as AB de Villiers’ innings against the West Indies in Johannesburg in January 2015. He stepped in to bat with less than 13 overs left. Hashim Amla and Rilee Rossouw both had already notched up centuries. AB de Villiers unleashed a storm of aggression right from his first delivery.
He set a record for the fastest fifty in ODI cricket, achieving the feat in just 16 deliveries. Displaying unparalleled swiftness, he then went on to complete the fastest international century, taking a mere 31 balls to reach the milestone.
In a breathtaking display of power and skill, de Villiers accumulated 149 runs in just 44 balls. This phenomenal innings featured 16 sixes and 9 fours.
2. Sanath Jayasuriya
In the history of explosive cricketers, few have been as imposing as Sanath Jayasuriya. A momentous moment that showcased his aggression came during the Singer Cup final in 1996 against Pakistan. Jayasuriya launched a relentless assault on the bowlers, creating an impression that the 216-run target would be chased down in record time.
Jayasuriya scored 76 runs in just 28 balls and attained the record for the fastest fifty in ODI cricket, achieving the milestone in just 17 deliveries. His remarkable performance included 8 fours and 6 sixes. However, following his dismissal, Sri Lanka faced a sudden collapse, eventually losing the game. It took nearly 2 decades for another cricketer to surpass this record.
3. Kusal Perera
This list of the quickest 50 runs in ODIs features another left-handed player from Sri Lanka, Kusal Perera. Frequently compared to the legendary Sanath Jayasuriya, Kusal Perera equalled his idol’s achievement by reaching a fifty in just 17 balls. Interestingly, both Perera and Jayasuriya accomplished this feat against the same opponent – Pakistan.
In the match at Pallekelle, Perera provided a blistering start, and Sri Lanka chased a target of 288 runs. Perera concluded his innings with a superb knock of 68 off 25 balls, including 13 boundaries and 2 sixes.
4. Martin Guptill
In the second ODI of their bilateral series in Christchurch, New Zealand bowlers dismantled the Sri Lankan batting lineup. They restricted them to a mere 117 runs in the first innings.
Martin Guptill exhibited his dominating performance in this match. He unleashed a remarkable innings, scoring an undefeated 93 runs off just 30 balls.
Guptill’s onslaught comprised 9 fours and 8 sixes. While he came close to breaking AB de Villiers’ record for the fastest century, there weren’t enough runs to pursue. Nevertheless, Guptill scored the fastest fifty in an ODI in 17 balls.
5. Liam Livingstone
Liam Livingstone shares the distinction of scoring the fastest ODI half-century, achieving the feat in just 17 deliveries. In a vibrant partnership with Jos Buttler, Livingstone played a crucial role against the Netherlands. He came at the crease when England’s score was 407/4.
Despite Buttler falling short of his century goal, Livingstone remained unbeaten. He accumulated a score of 66 runs from 22 balls. This brilliant knock included 5 fours and 5 massive sixes.
England established a new ODI innings record with the help of this remarkable performance. England surpassed their record of the highest ODI score and finished with a new record of 498/4.
Sum Up
The One-Day International format of cricket is a vast platform for players to achieve milestones and register their names in the record books for decades. There have been several batters who smashed the fastest fifty in ODI cricket. The veteran batter of South Africa, AB de Villiers, holds this record. He achieved this landmark off just 16 balls against West Indies.
Sanath Jayasuriya and Kusal Perera from Sri Lanka scored the quickest fifties against Pakistan in just 17 balls. Martin Guptill and Liam Livingstone also have 17 ball fifties in their career.
