The Indian Premier League (IPL) is renowned for its record-breaking exploits, spectacular chases, and explosive batting. The race to the fastest half-century stands out among the tournament’s many exciting exploits as a true test of strength, accuracy, and intent. In addition to changing the course of games, these lightning-fast fifties have astounded fans with their boldness. The IPL has seen several iconic knocks that revolutionised aggressive batting, from sudden blitzkriegs to well-planned attacks. These ten fastest half-centuries in IPL history are a thrilling reminder of how quickly the game can shift in a few overs.
10. Adam Gilchrist (17 balls), Deccan Chargers v Delhi Daredevils, 1st semi-final, IPL 2009
Gilchrist once again displayed his big-match attitude as he outscored Delhi’s bowling attack to get the fastest fifty in the two-year history of the IPL. Dirk Nannes’ first over, which saw five hits to the fence, particularly irritated him. With 10 overs remaining, a Chargers victory was virtually assured by the time he was removed.
9. Chris Gayle (17 balls), Royal Challengers Bangalore v Pune Warriors, IPL 2013
The only innings on this list that ended in a hundred runs was Gayle’s. He then achieved the greatest score in the format, an amazing 175 off 66 balls, and smashed the fastest T20 hundred off 30 balls. His second fifty, which took him from fifty to one hundred off just thirteen balls, was technically even quicker. This innings continues to stand as his pinnacle of all his outstanding IPL efforts over the years.
8. Suresh Raina (16 balls), Chennai Super Kings v Kings XI Punjab,2nd Qualifier, IPL 2014
Raina’s scorching smashes helped his team reach the biggest Powerplay score in IPL history, and his 87 off 25 is still undoubtedly the best IPL innings in a losing cause. Raina was well on his way to becoming the quickest player in T20 history and ending the match if it weren’t for a careless run-out in the seventh over.
7. Nicholas Pooran (15 balls), Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, IPL 2023
Pooran entered the game with the Super Giants still needing 114 from 56 balls after they had chased a massive 213 against the Royal Challengers. Pooran finished with a 19-ball 62 after starting with 10 off five deliveries at one point; four of those deliveries went for fours, and seven of those deliveries were hit for sixes. He relentlessly pursued every bowler, reaching his half-century off just 15 deliveries.
6. Yusuf Pathan (15 balls),Kolkata Knight Riders v Sunrisers Hyderabad, IPL 2014
The Kolkata Knight Riders had to chase down 161 runs in just 15.2 overs in a high-stakes league game of the 2014 IPL to increase their NRR and secure a spot in the top two. Yusuf Pathan, renowned for his ability to change the game and his brute force, made the Sunrisers Hyderabad fielders pay a heavy price after they gave him two early lifelines. He began an unrelenting attack, hitting pace leader Dale Steyn for an incredible 26 runs in one over. KKR reached the goal in only 14.2 overs thanks to his 15-ball fifty.
5. Sunil Narine (15 balls), Kolkata Knight Riders v Royal Challengers Bangalore, IPL 2017
Sunil Narine was tried by the KKR as a pinch-hitting opener. When Lynn returned, he was still the opener because he got them off to some fast starts and demonstrated enough skill. Lynn and Narine decided to attempt to end the match in 10 overs while chasing 159 in Bengaluru. He struck three consecutive sixes off fellow Trinidadian Samuel Badree before hitting three consecutive fours against S Aravind. Narine tied the record for the IPL’s fastest half-century when he smashed seamer S Aravind into the stands past long-on.
4. KL Rahul (14 balls), Kings XI Punjab v Delhi Daredevils, IPL 2018
Before KL Rahul went crazy with a barrage of boundaries on his debut for Kings XI Punjab, the IPL record for the fastest fifty was set at 15 balls for four seasons. After Trent Boult opened the scoring with a lucky top-edged six, he unleashed a series of beautiful cover drives and pulls in Mohammad Shami’s opening over. The fastest fifty seemed a long way off at 27 off 9 balls, but he beat the previous record by one ball when he hammered Amit Mishra’s careless opening over for 24 runs.
3. Pat Cummins (14 balls), Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians, IPL 2022
On a difficult Pune wicket, KKR fell to 83 for 4 in 12 overs while chasing 162. However, Pat Cummins entered at number six and hit a six off the second ball he faced. To boost KKR’s prospects, Cummins took Jasprit Bumrah for a six and a four in the following over. After that, he blasted Daniel Sams for 6,4,6,6, 2 (nb), 4,6 to reach 56 off 15 balls and give his team the win.
2. Romario Shepherd (14 balls), Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings, IPL 2025
Romario Shepherd’s incredible 14-ball half-century against the formidable Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025—the second-fastest fifty in IPL history—shocked both opponents and viewers. Shepherd entered the game in the final overs, when RCB needed a rapid boost, and unleashed a barrage of powerful blows that shook even the most seasoned bowlers for CSK. With unwavering confidence and brute force, he easily cleared the ropes, sending deliveries to every corner of the ground with his clean striking and fearless style.
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal (13 balls) Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders, IPL 2023
By smashing the league’s quickest half-century off 13 balls, 21-year-old Yashasvi Jaiswal tore up the IPL record books. Unexpectedly, Jaiswal scored 26 runs off the first over when KKR skipper Nitish Rana gave himself the new ball. Jaiswal flat-batted Harshit, the other Rana, for fours after chopping the fast bowler behind point. Harshit was also not spared. Additionally, Jaiswal hammered Shardul Thakur, reaching his half-century in just three overs.
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