T20 cricket requires quick runs to be scored. Every batter tends to get out there and add as many runs as possible. That is when we often see batters playing some quick cameos and registering some rapid half-centuries. In this article, we will cover the list of the fastest half-centuries in New Zealand.
The Black Caps are among the top teams in the white-ball format. New Zealand has also been doing well in the ICC events. One of the reasons for their success is the firepower they have in the batting order. The likes of Brendon McCullum, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor and many more have always dominated the opposition. So let’s check the fastest 50.
5. Martin Guptill (19 balls) vs Sri Lanka 2016
The joint-third fastest T20I fifty for New Zealand is registered under Martin Guptill. In fact, there are three New Zealanders with a 19-ball half-century in their history. Guptill’s 19-ball fifty came against Sri Lanka in 2016 at Auckland. It was the second T20 of the three-match series. Batting first, Sri Lanka made 142/8 in 20 overs. In reply, New Zealand had a brilliant start and both openers added 89 runs in just 6.4 overs. Guptill scored a 19-ball fifty and made 63 off 25 balls with six fours and five sixes. New Zealand chased down 147/1 in just 10 overs.
4. Finn Allen (18 balls) vs Bangladesh in 2021
Finn Allen is at No. 4 with the joint-second-fastest T20I fifty for New Zealand. It came against Bangladesh in 2021 in Auckland. It was the third and final game of the series, and the match was reduced to 10-overs per side due to rain. New Zealand had a flying start with both openers playing some quick innings. Martin Guptill made 44 off 19 balls, while Allen scored an 18-ball fifty. He made 71 off 29 balls, with 10 fours and three sixes. The Black Caps made 141/4 in their 10 overs. In reply, Bangladesh got out for 76 runs in 9.3 overs and lost the game by 65 runs.
3. Colin Munro (18 balls) vs England in 2018
Another joint-second fastest T20I fifty for New Zealand came off the bat of Colin Munro. It came in the 6th game of the tri-series against England in Auckland in February 2018. Batting first, England scored 194/7 in their first innings. Chasing a big target, New Zealand needed a good opening stand. That’s what happened both openers scoring half-centuries. Martin Guptill made 62 off 47 balls, while Munro hit an 18-ball fifty. He made 57 off 21 balls, with three fours and seven sixes. In the end, New Zealand fell short by just two runs and made 192/4 in their 20 overs.
2. Colin Munro (18 balls) vs West Indies in 2018
Colin Munro has hit two 18-ball fifties for his country. The second match on the list was against the West Indies in Mount Maunganui in January 2018. It was the second T20I game of the three-match series. After winning the toss, the West Indies chose to bowl first. New Zealand lost their first wicket in the very first over. But after that, Munro totally played a blinder. He scored an 18-ball fifty and made 66 off 23 balls, with 11 fours and three sixes. New Zealand were at 102/4 when the rain came and the match was called off. Thus, this half-century came in a game that ended in a no-result.
1. Colin Munro (14 balls) vs Sri Lanka in 2016
Top three fastest T20 half-centuries for New Zealand are registered under the name of Colin Munro. The fastest came against Sri Lanka in 2016 in Auckland. It came in the second game of the three-match T20I series. It was Sri Lanka who batted first and made 142/8 in 20 overs. Chasing a small target, Martin Guptill (63 off 25) and Kane Williamson (32* off 21) gave New Zealand a great start. But the real cameo came from the bat of Munro, who hit a 14-ball fifty and made an unbeaten 50* off 14 balls, with one four and seven sixes. New Zealand made 147/1 in just 10 overs to win the game.
List of Fastest 50 in T20 by New Zealand
| Player | Balls | Score | Against | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colin Munro | 14 | 50* (140) | Sri Lanka | Auckland | 10/01/2016 |
| Colin Munro | 18 | 66 (23) | West Indies | Mount Maunganui | 01/01/2018 |
| Colin Munro | 18 | 57 (21) | England | Hamilton | 18/02/2018 |
| Finn Allen | 18 | 71 (29) | Bangladesh | Auckland | 01/04/2021 |
| Martin Guptill | 19 | 63 (25) | Sri Lanka | Auckland | 10/01/2016 |
| Martin Guptill | 19 | 50 (20) | England | Auckland | 10/11/2019 |
| Glenn Philips | 19 | 60 (24) | Bangladesh | Christchurch | 12/10/2022 |
| Glenn Philips | 22 | 108 (51) | West Indies | Mount Maunganui | 29/11/2020 |
| Micheal Bracewell | 22 | 61* (25) | Scotland | Edinburgh | 29/07/2022 |
| Aaron Redmond | 23 | 63 (30) | Ireland | Nottingham | 11/06/2009 |