Cricket fans around the world always get excited when batsmen score runs quickly. One of the most thrilling milestones is scoring 50 runs in the shortest possible number of balls. Reaching a half century rapidly requires perfect timing, fearless stroke play, and the ability to handle pressure. Over the years, several legendary cricketers have shown these qualities and recorded some of the Fastest Fifties in ODI Cricket History.
In this article, we will explore in detail the top performances, telling the stories behind each innings and providing a full statistics table for better understanding Fastest Fifties in ODI Cricket History.
List of 5 Most Fastest Fifties in ODI Cricket History
1. AB de Villiers
South African superstar AB de Villiers is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and destructive batsmen in modern cricket. On 18 January 2015, in Johannesburg, AB de Villiers faced the West Indies in an unforgettable ODI match. The crowd witnessed something special as de Villiers unleashed a storm of powerful shots all around the ground Fastest Fifties in ODI Cricket History.
He reached his half-century in just 16 balls, setting a new world record for the Fastest Fifties in ODI Cricket History. His ability to play 360-degree shots scoops, flicks, drives, and powerful sixes eft the bowlers helpless. De Villiers finished the innings with 149 runs off 44 balls, including 9 fours and 16 sixes. His record-breaking performance is still remembered as one of the greatest innings in cricket history.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | AB de Villiers |
| Team | South Africa |
| Opponent | West Indies |
| Date | 18 January 2015 |
| Venue | Johannesburg |
| Balls to Reach 50 | 16 |
| Final Score | 149 (44 balls) |
| Sixes | 16 |
| Fours | 9 |
| Format | ODI |
2. Matthew Forde
In 2025, young West Indian cricketer Matthew Forde stunned the world by equaling AB de Villiers’ record. On 9 May 2025, playing against Ireland at Dublin, Forde played an extraordinary innings that placed his name alongside the legends Fastest Fifties in ODI Cricket History.
Without showing any nerves, Forde attacked the bowlers right from the first ball. He reached his half century in 16 balls, matching the world record. His fearless batting brought him instant global recognition. This innings proved that young talents in modern cricket are capable of achieving great heights quickly Fastest Fifties in ODI Cricket History.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Matthew Forde |
| Team | West Indies |
| Opponent | Ireland |
| Date | 9 May 2025 |
| Venue | Dublin |
| Balls to Reach 50 | 16 |
| Final Score | 78 (26 balls) |
| Sixes | 7 |
| Fours | 6 |
| Format | ODI |
3. Sanath Jayasuriya
Before modern power hitters emerged, Sanath Jayasuriya laid the foundation for aggressive batting at the top of the order. In April 1996, during the Singer Cup in Singapore, Jayasuriya faced Pakistan and played one of the most fearless innings of his career Fastest Fifties in ODI Cricket History.
Jayasuriya reached his half-century in just 17 balls, which at the time set a world record. His aggressive batting style completely changed the role of openers in ODI cricket. His innings included several powerful cuts, pulls, and lofted drives. Jayasuriya’s approach later inspired many openers to adopt fearless stroke play from the very start.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Sanath Jayasuriya |
| Team | Sri Lanka |
| Opponent | Pakistan |
| Date | April 1996 |
| Venue | Singapore |
| Balls to Reach 50 | 17 |
| Final Score | 76 (28 balls) |
| Sixes | 5 |
| Fours | 8 |
| Format | ODI |
READ MORE: Top 5 Most Highest Individual Scores in ODI Cricket History
4. Kusal Perera
Nearly two decades after Jayasuriya’s historic innings, another Sri Lankan left-hander, Kusal Perera, produced a similarly explosive performance. On 15 July 2015, in Pallekele, Sri Lanka faced Pakistan once again Fastest Fifties in ODI Cricket History.
Perera started attacking from the very first over and reached his half-century in 17 balls, equaling Jayasuriya’s long standing record. His aggressive mindset and clean hitting reminded fans of Jayasuriya’s fearless approach. Perera went on to score 68 runs off 25 balls, giving Sri Lanka a flying start Fastest Fifties in ODI Cricket History.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Kusal Perera |
| Team | Sri Lanka |
| Opponent | Pakistan |
| Date | 15 July 2015 |
| Venue | Pallekele |
| Balls to Reach 50 | 17 |
| Final Score | 68 (25 balls) |
| Sixes | 4 |
| Fours | 13 |
| Format | ODI |
5. Martin Guptill
In December 2015, New Zealand’s Martin Guptill joined the elite list of Fastest Fifties in ODI Cricket History. Playing against Sri Lanka in Christchurch, Guptill displayed his clean hitting ability, reaching his half-century in 17 balls.
Guptill’s innings included some of the most elegant and powerful shots. His calm approach under pressure made the innings even more special. He ended up scoring 93 runs off 30 balls, setting the tone for New Zealand’s dominant victory Fastest Fifties in ODI Cricket History.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Martin Guptill |
| Team | New Zealand |
| Opponent | Sri Lanka |
| Date | December 2015 |
| Venue | Christchurch |
| Balls to Reach 50 | 17 |
| Final Score | 93 (30 balls) |
| Sixes | 8 |
| Fours | 9 |
| Format | ODI |
These incredible innings show how ODI cricket has evolved over the years. From Jayasuriya’s fearless innovation in 1996 to Matthew Forde’s modern power hitting in 2025, the race for the Fastest Fifties in ODI Cricket History continues to thrill fans. Each of these batsmen displayed extraordinary skill, confidence, and aggression to entertain the cricket world with their memorable performances Fastest Fifties in ODI Cricket History.