The thrill of Twenty20 International cricket lies in its explosive batting. Over the years, several players have stunned fans by reaching half-centuries in record time. In this article, we explore the Top 5 fastest T20I Fifty records in cricket history. These remarkable knocks changed matches within minutes and redefined aggressive batting in the shortest format.
The Top 5 fastest T20I Fifty list features legendary hitters who dominated bowlers from the very first ball. Let’s dive into the updated rankings and detailed stats of each player who achieved a place in the Top 5 fastest T20I Fifty records.
Here is the Top 5 Fastest T20I Fifty in Cricket History
1. Yuvraj Singh – 12 Balls

The fastest half-century in T20I cricket belongs to Yuvraj Singh. He smashed a 12-ball fifty against England during the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup in Durban.
Facing Stuart Broad, Yuvraj famously hit six sixes in one over. His 50 came in just 12 balls, a record that still stands at the top of the Top 5 fastest T20I Fifty list.
Yuvraj Singh – Record Table
| Player | Team | Opponent | Balls for 50 | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yuvraj Singh | India | England | 12 | Durban | 2007 |
This historic knock remains the benchmark in the Top 5 fastest T20I Fifty rankings.
2. Chris Gayle – 17 Balls

The Universe Boss, Chris Gayle, sits second in the Top 5 fastest T20I Fifty chart. He reached his fifty in just 17 balls against South Africa in the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup.
Gayle’s innings was filled with towering sixes and brutal stroke play. He eventually scored the first T20 World Cup century, but his 17-ball fifty earns him a firm spot in the Top 5 fastest T20I Fifty list.
Chris Gayle – Record Table
| Player | Team | Opponent | Balls for 50 | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Gayle | West Indies | South Africa | 17 | Johannesburg | 2007 |
His power-hitting made him one of the most feared players in T20 cricket and a key figure in the Top 5 fastest T20I Fifty discussion.
3. Hazratullah Zazai – 17 Balls

Afghanistan’s explosive opener Hazratullah Zazai also registered a 17-ball half-century against Ireland in 2019.
Zazai matched Gayle’s speed and showed that Afghanistan could produce world-class power hitters. His knock cemented his place among the Top 5 fastest T20I Fifty achievers.
Hazratullah Zazai – Record Table
| Player | Team | Opponent | Balls for 50 | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hazratullah Zazai | Afghanistan | Ireland | 17 | Dehradun | 2019 |
His fearless batting approach keeps him firmly inside the Top 5 fastest T20I Fifty elite club.
4. KL Rahul – 18 Balls

Stylish Indian opener KL Rahul smashed an 18-ball fifty against West Indies in 2016.
Unlike pure power hitters, Rahul combined elegance with aggression. His innings demonstrated controlled stroke play while maintaining incredible scoring speed, earning him a place in the Top 5 fastest T20I Fifty rankings.
KL Rahul – Record Table
| Player | Team | Opponent | Balls for 50 | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KL Rahul | India | West Indies | 18 | Lauderhill | 2016 |
Rahul’s innings remains one of the finest Indian performances in the Top 5 fastest T20I Fifty category.
5. David Miller – 19 Balls

South African finisher David Miller blasted a 19-ball fifty against Bangladesh in 2017.
Known for finishing games under pressure, Miller’s explosive knock secured his place in the Top 5 fastest T20I Fifty records.
David Miller – Record Table
| Player | Team | Opponent | Balls for 50 | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Miller | South Africa | Bangladesh | 19 | Potchefstroom | 2017 |
His power-hitting in the death overs highlights why he belongs among the Top 5 fastest T20I Fifty legends.
1) Who holds the record for the fastest fifty in T20I cricket?
The record for the fastest T20I fifty is held by Yuvraj Singh, who reached his half-century in just 12 balls against England during the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup in Durban. His iconic six sixes in an over against Stuart Broad made it one of the most unforgettable moments in the Top 5 fastest T20I Fifty history.
2) How many players have scored a T20I fifty in 17 balls?
Two players feature with 17-ball fifties in the Top 5 fastest T20I Fifty list: Chris Gayle and Hazratullah Zazai. Gayle achieved his milestone against South Africa in 2007, while Zazai matched the feat against Ireland in 2019.
3) Why are the Top 5 fastest T20I Fifty records so significant?
The Top 5 fastest T20I Fifty records highlight extraordinary batting dominance in the shortest format. Rapid half-centuries can completely change match momentum, boost net run rate, and put immense pressure on bowlers. Performances by players like KL Rahul and David Miller demonstrate how explosive innings can decide games within a few overs.
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