Decoding the fastest T20I half-centuries against Australia
Indian captain Rohit Sharma hammered a record-breaking 92 versus Australia in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup Super 8 encounter at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet. Rohit missed his century after smashing a star-studded Australian bowling attack in the first half. Notably, he completed his half-century off just 19 balls. Here we look at the fastest T20I fifties against the Aussies.
Umar Akmal - 21 balls
Pakistan posted 167/8 while batting first versus Australia in the 2010 Birmingham T20I. However, the Men in Green were reeling at 47/4 when Umar Akmal arrived. He attacked the bowlers from the outset and got to his fifty off just 21 balls. Akmal ended up scoring a 31-ball 64 (7 fours, 3 sixes) as Pakistan went on to record a 23-run victory.
Kieron Pollard - 20 balls
A slow start meant West Indies were 66/3 against Australia in the 2012 Gros Islet T20I when Kieron Pollard arrived to bat. The dasher unleashed his big hits straightaway, causing a surge in the scoring rate. Pollard, who completed a 20-ball fifty, finished at 54(26). He hit two fours and five sixes. Though WI posted 150/7, the Aussies comfortably crossed the line.
Yuvraj Singh - 20 balls
It was the semi-final of the inaugural T20 WC as India posted 188/5 against Australia in Durban. Yuvraj Singh was absolutely ruthless that day as he clocked 70 from 30 balls, smoking five sixes and as many fours. Notably, India were 41/2 after 8 overs when he arrived. Yuvraj recorded a 20-ball half-century in that match. Australia were restricted to 173/7 in response.
Rohit Sharma - 19 balls
Rohit's recent 19-ball fifty tops this elite list. India lost Virat Kohli early as they were 6/1 after two overs. Rohit bashed the Australian bowlers as he completed his fifty in the sixth over. The swashbuckler went on to smash a 41-ball 92 as he smoked seven boundaries and eight sixes. His efforts meant India finished at 205/5 and later won by 24 runs.
