NEW DELHI: India skipper
Rohit Sharma
once again demonstrated his batting prowess by smashing the fastest fifty of the
T20 World Cup 2024
during the Super 8 match against
Australia
in St Lucia on Monday.
Facing a formidable opponent, Rohit reached his half-century in just 19 balls, setting the stadium alight with his aggressive stroke play. His innings featured a flurry of boundaries and towering sixes, showcasing his dominance and ability to perform under pressure.
Before reaching 50, Rohit, in a stunning display of batting, in one particular over, took on Mitchell Starc, unleashing a barrage of shots against the left-arm fast bowler.
The Indian opener hammered the Australian for an astonishing 29 runs in a single over, leaving spectators in awe.
In the process, Rohit also became the first player in history to hit 200 sixes in T20Is.
The record for the fastest fifty by an Indian in T20Is is held by
Yuvraj Singh
, who famously took only 12 balls to reach the milestone against England in Durban during the 2007 T20 World Cup. This unforgettable performance included six sixes in an over, a moment etched in cricket history.
Fastest 50s for India in T20Is (balls faced)
- 12 Yuvraj Singh vs Eng Durban 2007
- 18 KL Rahul vs Sco Dubai 2021
- 18 Suryakumar Yadav vs SA Guwahati 2022
- 19 Gautam Gambhir vs SL Nagpur 2009
- 19 Rohit Sharma vs Aus Gros Islet 2024
KL Rahul is another notable name on this prestigious list, having scored a fifty off 18 balls against Scotland in Dubai in 2021. His innings was marked by precision and power, significantly contributing to India's dominance in that match.
Incidentally, Yuvraj, Rahul and Rohit fifties came in T20 World Cups.
Suryakumar Yadav also achieved the feat in 18 balls, striking against South Africa in Guwahati in 2022. His innovative shots and aggressive approach made headlines, further solidifying his place in the team.
Gautam Gambhir, known for his steady yet impactful batting, scored a fifty off 19 balls against Sri Lanka in Nagpur in 2009, a key performance in his career.
Rohit's recent achievement places him alongside these greats, highlighting his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. His 19-ball fifty against Australia is a testament to his skill and adaptability, making him one of the most exciting batsmen in T20 cricket.
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