The IPL is known for its record-breaking feats, thrilling chases, and explosive batting. The race for the fastest half-century showcases power, precision, and aggression, often changing the course of matches. With memorable innings that redefine aggressive batting, the Top 10 Fastest Half century in IPL history highlight how quickly a game can shift in just a few overs.
10. Adam Gilchrist (17 balls), Deccan Chargers v Delhi Daredevils, 1st semi-final, IPL 2009
Gilchrist once again showcased his big-match mentality, outpacing Delhi’s bowlers to set the record for the fastest fifty in the IPL’s two-year history. Dirk Nannes’ opening over, which included five boundaries, seemed to frustrate him the most. With 10 overs still to go, the Chargers’ victory seemed almost certain by the time he was dismissed. And it`s one of the Top 10 Fastest Half century in IPL history.
9. Chris Gayle (17 balls), Royal Challengers Bangalore v Pune Warriors, IPL 2013
The only knock on this list that resulted in a century was Gayle’s. He went on to set the record for the Top 10 Fastest Half century in IPL history, An incredible 175 off 66 balls, and also hit the fastest T20 century off just 30 balls. His second fifty, which came in a mere 13 balls, was even faster. This innings remains the crowning achievement of Gayle’s many remarkable performances in the IPL over the years.
8. Suresh Raina (16 balls), Chennai Super Kings v Kings XI Punjab,2nd Qualifier, IPL 2014
Raina’s fiery hitting guided his team to the Top 10 Fastest Half century in IPL history, And his 87 off 25 balls remains one of the best IPL innings in a losing effort. He was on track to becoming the fastest player in T20 history and potentially finishing the match, had it not been for a reckless run-out in the seventh over.
7. Nicholas Pooran (15 balls), Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, IPL 2023
Pooran came to the crease with the Super Giants still requiring 114 runs from 56 balls, after chasing down a huge target of 213 against the Royal Challengers. He finished with a blazing 62 off 19 balls, having started with 10 runs off 5 balls, including four boundaries and seven sixes. He attacked every bowler with relentless force, bringing up his half-century in just 15 balls. One of the Top 10 Fastest Half century in IPL history.
6. Yusuf Pathan (15 balls),Kolkata Knight Riders v Sunrisers Hyderabad, IPL 2014
In a crucial 2014 IPL league match, the Kolkata Knight Riders needed to chase down 161 runs in just 15.2 overs to improve their NRR and secure a top-two finish. Yusuf Pathan, known for his game-changing ability and raw power, made the Sunrisers Hyderabad fielders pay dearly for two early mistakes. He launched an aggressive onslaught, smashing pace spearhead Dale Steyn for an astonishing 26 runs in a single over. Thanks to his blistering 15-ball fifty, KKR reached the target in just 14.2 overs. And it`s one of the Top 10 Fastest Half century in IPL history.
5. Sunil Narine (15 balls), Kolkata Knight Riders v Royal Challengers Bangalore, IPL 2017
Sunil Narine was experimented with as a pinch-hitting opener by KKR. Even when Lynn returned, Narine kept his spot at the top of the order due to his ability to give the team quick starts and showcase solid skills. In a chase of 159 in Bengaluru, Narine and Lynn aimed to finish the game in just 10 overs. Narine blasted three consecutive sixes off fellow Trinidadian Samuel Badree, followed by three fours in a row against S Aravind. He equaled the record for the Top 10 Fastest Half century in IPL history. when he launched a searing shot over long-on off seamer S Aravind.
4. KL Rahul (14 balls), Kings XI Punjab v Delhi Daredevils, IPL 2018
Before KL Rahul unleashed a flurry of boundaries in his debut for Kings XI Punjab, the IPL record for the Top 10 Fastest Half century in IPL history, Had stood at 15 balls for four straight seasons. He got going with a fortunate top-edged six off Trent Boult, then followed it up with a series of elegant cover drives and powerful pulls in Mohammad Shami’s first over. Although he was on 27 off 9 balls, the fastest fifty still seemed unlikely—until he smashed 24 runs off a loose opening over from Amit Mishra, breaking the previous record by a single delivery.
3. Pat Cummins (14 balls), Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians, IPL 2022
On a challenging Pune pitch, KKR found themselves struggling at 83 for 4 after 12 overs while chasing a target of 162. But Pat Cummins, coming in at number six, made an immediate impact by smashing a six off just his second delivery. He then took on Jasprit Bumrah in the next over, hitting him for a six and a four to shift momentum. Cummins followed that with a brutal assault on Daniel Sams, hammering 6, 4, 6, 6, 2 (off a no-ball), 4, and 6 to race to 56 from just 15 balls and seal a remarkable win for his team. And it`s one of the Top 10 Fastest Half century in IPL history.
2. Romario Shepherd (14 balls), Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings, IPL 2025
Romario Shepherd stunned both the Chennai Super Kings and fans alike with a blazing 14-ball fifty in IPL 2025—the second in the list of Top 10 Fastest Half century in IPL history. Coming in during the death overs when RCB needed a late surge, he launched a ferocious assault that rattled even CSK’s most experienced bowlers. With sheer power and fearless intent, Shepherd cleared the boundary with ease, sending the ball to all parts of the ground through his crisp hitting and aggressive approach.
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal (13 balls) Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders, IPL 2023
At just 21 years old, Yashasvi Jaiswal rewrote IPL history by smashing the Top 10 Fastest Half century in IPL history, Reaching the milestone in just 13 balls. In a surprising move, KKR captain Nitish Rana opened the bowling, only to be punished as Jaiswal took 26 runs off the first over. He then flat-batted Harshit Rana for boundaries after slicing him behind point, showing no mercy. Jaiswal continued his onslaught by attacking Shardul Thakur, racing to his fifty within just three overs in a stunning display of power hitting.
Conclusion
The top 10 fastest half-centuries in IPL history highlight the league’s explosive talent and game-changing moments. These thrilling innings show how quickly T20 matches can turn, and as the IPL grows, fans can look forward to even more record-breaking performances.
Read more: Top 10 Records of Shreyas Iyer in All Formats
FAQ`s
Q1: Who holds the record for the fastest fifty in IPL history?
A: Yashasvi Jaiswal holds the record with a 13-ball half-century, achieved in IPL 2023 against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Q2: How many balls did it take for the second-fastest IPL fifty?
A: Romario Shepherd scored the second-fastest fifty in just 14 balls during IPL 2025.
Q3: Which team has the most entries in the top 10 fastest fifties list?
A: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have multiple players featured on the list.