Rohit Sharma stands out as one of the most formidable batters in T20I cricket history. The Indian captain made his T20I debut in 2007, playing a crucial role in India’s victory at the inaugural T20 World Cup.
To date, Rohit Sharma has played 156 T20Is, amassing 4,073 runs. He has scored five centuries and 30 half-centuries in 148 innings, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 139.58.
Rohit’s aggressive batting style makes him a daunting opponent for many bowlers. On that note, here’s a look at the top five fastest fifties by Rohit Sharma in T20I matches.
#5 – 23 Balls vs West Indies, 2019
Rohit Sharma has scored a 23-ball fifty four times in his T20I career. The last instance was against New Zealand in 2020, but let’s focus on one of the earlier ones.
In 2019, India hosted West Indies for a three-match T20I series, with the final game at Wankhede Stadium. Rohit opened with KL Rahul and unleashed a relentless assault on the Caribbean bowling lineup. He smashed four fours and four sixes, reaching his half-ton off just 23 balls, ending with 71 runs off 34 deliveries.
#4 – 23 Balls vs Bangladesh, 2019
Just before the series against West Indies, India faced Bangladesh in a three-match T20I series. After a surprising loss in the first T20I, India aimed to avoid a series defeat in Rajkot.
Captain Rohit led from the front with a 43-ball 85, helping India chase down 154 in just 15.1 overs. Rohit showed intent right from the start, completing his half-century in 23 balls, with six fours and three sixes.
#3 – 23 Balls vs Sri Lanka, 2017
Fans at the Holkar Cricket Stadium witnessed a spectacular batting display from Rohit Sharma on December 22, 2017, against Sri Lanka in Indore.
Sri Lanka opted to bowl first after winning the toss, but the decision backfired as India posted 260/5 on the board. Rohit top-scored with a 43-ball 118, taking 23 balls for his first 50, with the next 68 runs coming off just 20 balls.
#2 – 22 Balls vs West Indies, 2016
For eight years, this was Rohit Sharma’s fastest half-century in T20I cricket. Playing against West Indies in Lauderhill in 2016, Sharma took just 22 deliveries to complete his half-ton. He hit four fours and three sixes en route to his fifty, finishing with a 28-ball 62. Despite his efforts, India lost the game by one run while chasing 246.
#1 – 19 Balls vs Australia, 2024
Earlier today at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Rohit Sharma set a new personal record for his fastest T20I fifty. Playing against heavyweights Australia, Sharma attacked Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins mercilessly to complete his half-century in just 19 balls. The Indian skipper smashed four fours and five sixes against the formidable Aussie bowlers. He is currently unbeaten on 89 off 37 balls.
Rohit Sharma’s ability to dominate bowlers and score quickly makes him a key player in any T20I match. His performances continue to enthrall fans and challenge opponents, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest T20I batters of all time.
