T20: When it comes to hitting the ball hard in the shorter format, one team comes to mind. And the best team for T20 cricket is none other than the two-time champions, the West Indies. It is because of the firepower this team has that it is the best in the world.
The likes of Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Evin Lewis, and others have always dominated this format. Thus, this team holds many records in the shorter form of the game. But here we will discuss the fastest fifty hit by a West Indian batsman in history. Gayle has hit a 12-ball half-century, but that came in a BBL. So let’s check.
5. Johnson Charles (20 balls) vs India in 2016
There are four West Indian batters who have hit a 20-ball fifty in history. Thus, the joint-third-fastest half-century for West Indies is registered under the name of Johnson Charles. It came in 2016 against India at Lauderhill. This game saw more than 480 runs scored in two innings. Batting first, West Indies made a massive score of 246/5 in their first innings. Charles hit a 20-ball fifty and made 79 off 33 balls with six fours and seven sixes, while Evin Lewis (100 off 49) scored a century. In reply, India also batted well, and KL Rahul (110* off 51) scored a hundred. But India fell short by just one run and made 244/4. West Indies won by 1 run.
4. Chris Gayle (20 balls) vs South Africa in 2015
One man who is expected to be on this list is Chris Gayle. He is another who played with a 20-ball t20I fifty. It came in January 2015, against South Africa in Johannesburg. South Africa batted first and posted a massive total of 231/7 in their first innings. Skipper Faf du Plessis scored a brilliant century and made 119 off 56 balls. In reply, Gayle gave his team a rocking start and scored a 20-ball fifty. He made 90 off 41, with nine fours and seven sixes. Marlon Samuels (60 off 39) also contributed, and West Indies reached the target in 19.2 overs. They made 236/6 and won by four wickets.
3. Kieron Pollard (20 balls) vs Australia in 2012
Former West Indies captain Kieron Pollard is third on the list. He scored a 20-ball fifty against Australia in March 2012 in Gros Islet. After winning the toss, West Indies chose to bat first. They had a slow start and kept losing wickets in the middle. However, thanks to a brilliant cameo from Pollard, they reached a respectable total. He hit a 20-ball fifty and made 54* off 26 balls, with two fours and five sixes. In reply, Australia won it comfortably in 18.1 overs and made 153/2. Shane Watson (69 off 43) and Michael Hussey (59* off 45) scored half-centuries.
2. Evin Lewis (18 balls) vs Bangladesh in 2018
The second fastest T20I half-century for the West Indies came from the bat of explosive opener Evin Lewis. It was against Bangladesh in December 2018 at Dhaka Stadium. Bangladesh won the toss and put the Caribbean team to bat first. Lewis gave his team a good start with an 18-ball fifty and made 89 off 36 balls, with six fours and eight sixes. West Indies got all out for 190 runs in 19.2 overs. Chasing the target, Bangladesh failed with the bat and were dismissed for 140 in 17 overs and lost by 50 runs.
1. Chris Gayle (17 balls) vs South Africa 2015
The fastest T20I fifty for West Indies is registered under the name of “Universe Boss” Chris Gayle. It came in January 2015 against South Africa in Cape Town. Batting first, South Africa made 165/4 in their first innings. But when West Indies came out to chase, Gayle just took the match away from the Proteas. He hit a 17-ball fifty and made 77 off 31 balls, with five fours and eight sixes. The West Indies chased down the target in 19.2 overs for 168/6.
List of Fastest 50 in T20 by West Indies
| Player | Balls | Score | Against | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Gayle | 17 | 77 (31) | South Africa | Cape Town | 09/01/2015 |
| Evin Lewis | 18 | 89 (36) | Bangladesh | Dhaka | 22/12/2018 |
| Kieron Pollard | 20 | 54* (26) | Australia | St Lucia | 27/03/2012 |
| Chris Gayle | 20 | 90 (41) | South Africa | Johannesburg | 11/01/2015 |
| John Charles | 20 | 79 (33) | India | Lauderhill | 27/08/2016 |
| Rovman Powell | 20 | 61* (28) | Bangladesh | Roseau | 03/07/2022 |
| Andre Fletcher | 22 | 57 (25) | Sri Lanka | Pallekele | 09/11/2015 |
| Evin Lewis | 22 | 71 (35) | South Africa | St George’s | 26/06/2021 |
| Chris Gayle | 23 | 88 (50) | Australia | The Oval | 06/06/2009 |
| Evin Lewis | 23 | 58 (26) | World XI | World XI | 31/05/2018 |