The Pakistan Cricket Team has yet again reached the top position in the ODI rankings after delivering some magnificent performances against the toughest opposition. Meanwhile, speaking on the same subject, check out some of the fastest fifty by Men in Green in the 50-over format. Surprisingly, all the great feats have been recorded by former cricketer Shahid Afridi.
3. 18 balls vs Sri Lanka (1996), Netherlands (2002), and Bangladesh (2014)
Former Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi‘s quickest fifty came in just 18 balls. Notably, the right-handed batter smashed the fastest fifty in 18 balls—not once, not twice, but three times. Notably, the star batter registered this feat against Sri Lanka (1996), the Netherlands (2002), and Bangladesh (2014). Speaking about his first knock in 1996 against Sri Lanka, the right-handed batter not only registered the quickest half century but a great hundred in just 40 balls with a strike rate of 255 that helped the Men in Green win the game against Sri Lanka.
2. 19 balls vs New Zealand (2011)
Pakistan’s great batter, Shahid Afridi’s top-second fifty, came against New Zealand. Notably, the Men in Green toured New Zealand in 2011 for a six-match ODI series. In addition, during the third ODI of that series, the star all-rounder smashed 65 runs in just 25 balls while registering a half century and fifty in just 19 balls.
1. 20 balls vs India (2005), South Africa (2007)
It is absolutely amazing to see that Shahid Afridi currently holds nine out of the top 10 records for the fastest fifty in Pakistani cricket history. The right-handed batter produced the third-fastest fifty against India at Kanpur in 2005. Notably, the Men in Green traveled to India for the six-match ODI series. During the fifth ODI, the star batter hammered his half century with just 50 balls after the home team posted 250 runs on the board. The star batter opened the inning while guiding his side to a great win against the hosts. Meanwhile, Shahid Afridi also made a 20-ball half century against South Africa in 2007.