T20 cricket demands quick runs from the batter. That is the reason batsmen look to score runs quickly. The fastest fifty in T20 internationals is registered under the name of Yuvraj Singh of India off 12 balls. But batters from across the globe have also played some quick knocks. In this article, we will discuss the fastest T20I fifty by South Africa.
South Africa has been the most competitive team across all formats. The prime reason for that is the availability of good quality batsmen. The Proteas haven’t won any major tournament in their history, but they have often given big challenges to other teams. For South Africa, two batters have hit a fifty off less than 20 balls. So let’s check.
5. Heinrich Klaasen (22 balls) vs India in 2018
The fourth fastest T20I fifty for South Africa is registered under the name of Heinrich Klaasen. It was scored against India in 2018 at Centurion Stadium. Batting first, India made 188/4 in their first innings. Manish Pandey (79* off 48) and MS Dhoni (52* off 28) were the top scorers. Chasing the target, South Africa were struggling at 38/2 in 5 overs. But then, Klassen hit a 22-ball fifty and made 69 off 30, with three fours and seven sixes. Skipper JP Duminy was not out on 64* off 40 and South Africa won by 6 wickets and made 189/4 in 18.4 overs.
4. Quinton de Kock (21 balls) vs England in 2016
The joint-third-fastest half-century for South Africa was made by wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock. It came in the 2016 T20 World Cup in a match against England. Batting first, South Africa made a big total of 230/8 in their 20 overs. De Kock scored a 21-ball fifty and scored 52 off 24 balls, while Hashim Amla scored 58 off 31 balls. In reply, England chased down the target in 19.4 and made 230/8 and won the game.
3. AB de Villiers (21 balls) vs England in 2016
AB de Villiers was the first batter for South Africa to hit a 21-ball fifty. It happened in 2016 against England in Johannesburg. It was South Africa that won the toss and chose to bowl first. England were out for 171 runs in 19.4 overs. In reply, South Africa had a brilliant start of 125 runs in just 8.2 overs. Hashim Amla scored an unbeaten 69* off 38 balls. On the other hand, De Villiers scored a 21-ball half-century and made 71 off 29 balls with 6 fours and 6 sixes. The Proteas chased down 172/1 in just 14.4 overs.
2. Tristan Stubbs (19 balls) vs England in 2022
Tristan Stubbs holds the record for the second fastest T20I half-century for South Africa. It came in 2022, against England in Bristol. In fact, this game saw two of the fastest half-centuries. Batting first, England scored a massive total of 234/6 in their 20 overs. Moeen Ali scored a 16-ball fifty and made 52 off 18 balls. While chasing the target, South Africa lost wickets at regular intervals. In the end, Stubbs also played a brilliant innings and scored a 19-ball fifty. He made 72 off 28 balls, with 2 fours and 8 sixes. But South Africa lost the game by 41 runs.
1. Quinton de Kock (17 balls) vs England in 2020
The fastest half-century for South Africa came in 2020 against England in Durban. It came from the bat of Quinton De Kock. It was the second game of the three-match T20I series. Batting first, England made a big total of 204/7 in their first innings. It was a big total to chase, and South Africa needed a good start. That is what happened, and De Kock gave them a perfect start with a 17-ball half-century. He made 65 off 22, with two fours and eight sixes. But the Proteas couldn’t carry on the momentum and fell short by just two runs. They made 202/7 in their 20 overs.
List of Fastest 50 in T20 by South Africa
Player | Balls | Score | Against | Venue | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quinton de Kock | 17 | 65 (22) | England | Durban | 14/02/2020 |
Tristan Stubbs | 19 | 72 (28) | England | Bristol | 27/07/2022 |
AB de Villiers | 21 | 71 (29) | England | Johannesburg | 21/02/2016 |
Quinton de Kock | 21 | 52 (24) | England | Mumbai | 18/03/2016 |
Heinrich Klaasen | 22 | 69 (30) | India | Centurion | 21/02/2018 |
AB de Villiers | 23 | 69* (28) | England | Chittagong | 29/03/2014 |
Faf du Plessis | 23 | 119 (56) | West Indies | Johannesburg | 11/01/2015 |
David Miller | 23 | 101* (36) | Bangladesh | Potchefstroom | 29/10/2017 |
Van der Dussen | 23 | 74* (32) | England | Cape Town | 01/12/2020 |