Stats: Fastest half-centuries in IPL history

What much a change in batting position can do? Ishan Kishan is certainly the right man to answer this question. After struggling at number four throughout the season, the southpaw switched his beast mode on after getting the opening slot. During Mumbai Indians’ last league-stage game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, Kishan put up a batting exhibition and smashed the joint third-fastest century in IPL history.

The dasher got to the milestone in mere 16 balls. It was truly a sensational effort from Kishan as MI took the field with an aim of scripting. In order to qualify for the playoffs, the five-time champions got to win this by game by at least 171 runs. Had SRH opted to bat first on this track, MI’s hopes would have shattered even before the start of the game.

Luckily for the defending champions, the coin landed in their favour and Rohit Sharma got the option of batting first at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Kishan, who scored a 25-ball 50 in his last outing, attacked bowlers from the outset and made optimum utilization of the powerplay overs. From Siddarth Kaul to Rashid Khan, Kishan spared none and completed his half-century inside four overs.

Now, that’s what you call jaw-dropping! The wicketkeeper-batter didn’t stop after getting the landmark and continued tormenting SRH bowlers. He even looked all set to slam a majestic hundred. However, pace sensation Umran Malik dismissed him in the 10th over. It was a short and wide delivery that Kishan wanted to send over the ropes.

However, the connection wasn’t proper and all Kishan could manage was an edge. Wriddhiman Saha was safe as houses behind the stump as the storm in Abu Dhabi was over. Although the left-handed batter wasn’t happy walking back, he scored 84 off mere 32 deliveries. His knock was studded with 11 boundaries and four gigantic sixes.

Fastest half-centuries in IPL:-

As mentioned above, Kishan recorded the joint third-fastest half-century in IPL history. He now shares the record with Chennai Super Kings’ Suresh Raina. During his memorable 87 off 25 deliveries, Raina smashed a 16-ball fifty against Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in 2014. Kolkata Knight Riders stars Yusuf Pathan jointly hold second place, getting to the milestone in 15 balls.

While Yusuf’s carnage was unleashed against SRH in 2014, Narine tormented Royal Challengers Bangalore bowlers in 2017. The top spot is occupied by KL Rahul who scored a 13-ball fifty against Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2018.

Last Updated: October 8