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In a blistering display of power-hitting at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Hardik Pandya has etched his name into the record books during the fifth T20I against South Africa on December 19, 2025.
Hardik Pandya’s destructive innings breaks records in 5th T20I vs South Africa
Entering the fray at number five, Pandya wasted no time, dispatching his very first delivery over long-off to signal his intent. His assault reached a crescendo against George Linde and Corbin Bosch, as he raced to a 16-ball fifty, decorated with four boundaries and five towering sixes. This whirlwind knock played a pivotal role in propelling India toward a massive total in the series decider, proving once again why he is considered one of the most dangerous finishers in world cricket. By reaching the milestone in just 16 deliveries, Pandya has officially claim the second spot on the list of fastest T20I half-centuries by an Indian. He now sits only behind the legendary Yuvraj Singh, further solidifying his status as a modern-day great in the shortest format of the game.
Top 5 fastest T20I fifties for India
The hierarchy of India’s fastest T20I run-scorers has been reshuffled following Pandya’s Ahmedabad heroics. Here is the breakdown of the top five quickest half-centuries in Indian history:
5. Suryakumar Yadav (18 Balls)
The current Indian captain and 360-degree specialist, Suryakumar Yadav, occupies the fifth spot with an 18-ball blitz. Known for his unorthodox wrist-work and ability to find gaps in the fine-leg and third-man regions, Surya’s 18-ball fifty (achieved against South Africa in 2022) remains a masterclass in modern T20 innovation.
4. KL Rahul (18 Balls)
Matching Surya’s timing is KL Rahul, who also recorded an 18-ball half-century during the 2021 T20 World Cup against Scotland. Rahul’s knock was a display of pure technical elegance combined with brute force, as he helped India chase down a small target in record time to boost their net run rate.
3. Abhishek Sharma (17 Balls)
The young left-handed opener, Abhishek Sharma, occupies the third spot with a brutal 17-ball half-century against England at the Wankhede Stadium on February 2, 2025. Abhishek’s knock featured an incredible assault on bowlers like Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, where he scored 58 runs within the powerplay itself.
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2. Hardik Pandya (16 Balls)
Hardik Pandya moved into the second spot today, December 19, 2025, with his 16-ball demolition of the South African attack. His innings was characterized by immense physical power and a clear tactical focus on targeting the cow-corner and long-on boundaries. Reaching his fifty with a flat six off Corbin Bosch, he now holds the record for the fastest fifty by an Indian on home soil.
1. Yuvraj Singh (12 Balls)
The undisputed king of this list remains Yuvraj Singh, whose 12-ball fifty against England in the 2007 T20 World Cup is arguably the most iconic moment in the format’s history. This was the same innings where he famously hit Stuart Broad for six sixes in an over. Nearly two decades later, Yuvraj’s world-record effort remains untouched by any Indian batter.
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