Top 10 fastest fifties in T20 World Cup history

South African captain Aiden Markram is the latest player to break into the elite list of the top 10 fastest fifties in T20 World Cup history. Earlier in the same tournament, Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka also earned his place on this exclusive chart.

The list features some of the biggest stars to have played in the T20 World Cup over the years, along with a few unexpected names who stunned fans with their explosive performances. 

In this article, let’s take a look at the 10 batters who have recorded the fastest half-centuries in T20 World Cup history.

10. Shimron Hetmyer: 19 balls

Shimron Hetmyer has added another explosive knock to his growing reputation, smashing a stunning 19-ball half-century against Zimbabwe in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

The innings came during a Super 8 clash at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Walking in at number three, the West Indies left-hander wasted no time settling in. From the very first ball, he took the attack to the bowlers, playing fearless cricket and finding the boundary at will.

With this blistering fifty, Hetmyer now sits 10th on the list for the fastest half-centuries in T20 World Cup history — a knock that perfectly showcased his aggressive intent and clean hitting.

9. Aiden Markram: 19 balls

Aiden Markram added another milestone to his career with a blistering knock against New Zealand in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Chasing 176, the Proteas captain led from the front with a sensational, match-winning innings. Markram raced to his half-century in just 19 balls — the fastest ever by a South African batter in T20 World Cup history. He didn’t slow down after reaching the milestone, finishing unbeaten on 86 off just 44 deliveries at a stunning strike rate of 195.

His explosive innings powered South Africa to victory with 17 balls to spare, underlining his class and composure in a high-pressure chase.

8. Dasun Shanaka: 19 balls

Earlier in the T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka lit up the game with a sensational innings, racing to a half-century in just 19 balls against Oman. He looked unstoppable, smashing two fours and five sixes, reaching fifty at an extraordinary strike rate of 250.

Shanaka’s explosive innings came to an end when he was dismissed by Jiten Ramanandi immediately after the milestone. Despite losing their skipper, the co-hosts went on to post a commanding total of 225/5 and secured a dominant 105-run victory.

7. Rohit Sharma: 19 balls

In the Super 8 clash against Australia at the 2024 T20 World Cup, things got tense early when Virat Kohli was dismissed for a duck. But that only brought out the best in Rohit Sharma.

Taking charge of the innings, Rohit went on the attack and raced to his half-century in just 19 balls. He was in complete control, smashing boundaries all around the ground and putting the Australian bowlers under serious pressure. Although he fell just eight runs short of a well-deserved century, his knock was nothing short of spectacular.

Rohit finished with a blistering strike rate of 224, hammering seven fours and eight sixes in a breathtaking display of power-hitting that shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favour.

6. Shoaib Malik: 18 balls

In a Super 12 clash against Scotland at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Shoaib Malik turned back the clock with a breathtaking cameo. Batting at No. 5, the veteran all-rounder smashed 54 runs off just 18 balls, clearing the ropes six times and finishing with an astonishing strike rate of 300. His late blitz powered Pakistan to a commanding 72-run victory.

5. KL Rahul: 18 balls

Facing India in the Super 12 stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Scotland were bowled out for just 85 runs.

Chasing a small target and looking to boost the net run rate, KL Rahul came out with clear intent. He went on the attack from the very start, smashing boundaries all around the ground. Rahul raced to his half-century in just 18 balls, hitting 6 fours and 3 sixes in a blistering knock. He was dismissed on the very next delivery by Mark Watt, but by then the damage was already done.

The Men in Blue comfortably chased down the target in just 39 balls, sealing a dominant victory.

4. Glenn Maxwell: 18 balls

Glenn Maxwell put on a breathtaking display of power-hitting against Pakistan at the 2014 ICC World Twenty20. The explosive Australian reached his half-century in just 18 balls and eventually smashed 77 off 33 deliveries at a stunning strike rate of 224.

Despite Maxwell’s heroics, Australia suffered a batting collapse at the other end and fell short, losing the match by 16 runs.

3. Marcus Stoinis: 17 balls

During the Super 12 stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Marcus Stoinis tore into the Sri Lankan bowling attack with a breathtaking knock. He smashed an unbeaten 56 off just 18 balls, powering Australia to a comfortable seven-wicket victory.

Stoinis was in devastating form, striking at an incredible rate of 327. He peppered the boundary with four fours and cleared it six times, turning the game on its head in a matter of overs and sealing the win in style.

2. Stephan Myburgh: 17 balls

Stephan Myburgh produced a blistering innings against Ireland in the group stage of the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup, reaching his fifty in just 17 balls. His explosive batting powered the Netherlands to a comfortable six-wicket victory with over six overs to spare. Myburgh finished unbeaten on 63 off only 23 deliveries, smashing seven sixes and four boundaries at a phenomenal strike rate of 273.

1. Yuvraj Singh: 12 balls

Yuvraj Singh’s blistering 12-ball fifty remains one of the most iconic feats in T20 World Cup history. Even after two decades, no player has come close to surpassing it, cementing its place at the top of the record books.

In the first edition of the tournament, Singh smashed three boundaries and six sixes, guiding the Men in Blue to an 18-run victory over England. His strike rate of 362 in that innings perfectly reflects the sheer dominance and audacity of his performance.

Cover Credits - ESPNcricinfo