T20: Pakistan has always played some competitive cricket when it comes to the shorter format. They ended as runners-up in the inaugural T20 World Cup 2007, losing to India. But they bounced back brilliantly to win the second edition of the World Cup in 2009. And often, they play tough cricket in T20Is.
It is because this team always has some really big hitters in the world. Shahid Afridi, Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, and Babar Azam are all some of the best players in this format. But do you know which Pakistani batter holds the record for the fastest T20I fifty? In this article, we will cover the list of the fastest T20I half-centuries for Pakistan. So let’s check.
5. Shoaib Malik (23 balls) vs Sri Lanka in 2017
The joint-fourth-fastest half-century for Pakistan is registered under the name of veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik. It came in 2017 against Sri Lanka in Lahore. It was the third and final game of the three-match T20I series. Batting first, Pakistan made 180/3 in their first innings. All the batters chipped in, but Malik hit a 23-ball fifty and made 51 off 24 balls with five fours and two sixes. In reply, Sri Lanka could only manage 144/9 and lost the game by 36 runs.
4. Mohammad Hafeez (23 balls) vs India in 2012
There is another batter with a 23-ball fifty in T20Is. This time, it is former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez on the list. It came against India in 2012, in the last ever bilateral series between these two nations. It was the second game of the two-match series in Ahmedabad. Batting first, India made 192/5 with the help of Yuvraj Singh (72 off 36). In reply, Pakistan tried hard, but they only reached 181/7 and lost the game by 11 runs. For Pakistan, Hafeez scored a 23-ball fifty and made 55 off 26 with six fours and three sixes.
3. Umar Akmal (22 balls) vs New Zealand in 2016
The third fastest T20I fifty for Pakistan came against New Zealand in 2016. It was the second game of the three-match series in Hamilton. After winning the toss, Pakistan chose to bat first. They posted a total of 168/7 runs in 20 overs, courtesy of a 22-ball fifty from Umar Akmal. He scored 56* off 27 balls with four fours and four sixes. However, his fifty went in vain, and Pakistan lost that game by 10 wickets. Chasing the target, the New Zealand opener played brilliantly and made 171 runs in just 17.4 overs. Martin Guptill made 87* off 58, and skipper Kane Williamson scored 72* off 48.
2. Umar Akmal (21 balls) vs Australia in 2010
Umar Akmal also holds the second-fastest fifty for Pakistan. He made it against Australia in 2010 in Birmingham. It was the first over of the series. After winning the toss, Pakistan chose to bat first. Batting first, the Men in Green made 167/8, and Akmal played well for his 21-ball fifty. He made 64 off 31 balls, with seven fours and three sixes. In reply, Australia got all out for 144 runs in 18.4 overs, and Pakistan won the game by 23 runs.
1. Shoaib Malik (18 balls) vs Scotland in 2021
The fastest half-century by a Pakistani batter is registered under the name of Shoaib Malik. In came the 2021 T20 World Cup against Scotland at Sharjah Stadium. It was Pakistan who batted first and made 189/4 in their 20 overs. Skipper Babar Azam (66 off 47) gave them a good start, and in the end, Malik gave them a brilliant finish. He scored an 18-ball fifty and made 54* off 18 balls, with 1 four and 6 sixes. In reply, Scotland scored 117/6 in their 20 overs and lost the game by 72 runs.
List of Fastest 50 in T20 for Pakistan
Player | Balls | Score | Against | Venue | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shoaib Malik | 18 | 54* (18) | Scotland | Sharjah | 07/11/2021 |
Umar Akmal | 21 | 64 (31) | Australia | Edgbaston | 05/07/2010 |
Umar Akmal | 22 | 56* (27) | New Zealand | Hamilton | 17/01/2016 |
Mohammad Hafeez | 23 | 55 (26) | India | Ahmedabad | 28/12/2012 |
Shoaib Malik | 23 | 51 (24) | New Zealand | Lahore | 29/10/2017 |
Shoaib Malik | 23 | 53 (27) | Scotland | Edinburgh | 12/06/2018 |
Shoaib Malik | 23 | 51 (24) | Sri Lanka | Lahore | 29/10/2017 |
Sharjeel Khan | 24 | 50 (25) | Sri Lanka | Dubai | 13/12/2013 |
Imran Nazir | 25 | 72 (26) | Bangladesh | Pallekele | 25/09/2012 |