5 slowest fifties in T20Is by an Indian ft. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli's half-century in the final of the 2024 Men's T20I World Cup against South Africa was one of the slowest by an Indian batter in T20Is. However, his innings helped India post a healthy total after losing a couple of early wickets, as the Men in Blue ended their ICC trophy drought by winning the T20 World Cup 2024.
Indian batters are known for their records, which have been appreciated worldwide. However, there is a list of unwanted records as well, featuring some of the greatest Indian batters.
T20 cricket is supposed to be fast-paced. Particularly in today's time, batting-friendly conditions have enabled batters to score big and quick, taking the bowlers to the cleaners more often than not.
However, there have been several instances in T20I cricket where batters have taken unusually more time to score runs. Considered unacceptable in today's modern-day cricket, there may be several reasons for batters to take more time than they normally would — losing early wickets, slow pitches, difficult conditions, or taking the game deep.
Five slowest half-centuries in T20Is by Indian batters
#5 Gautam Gambhir, BAN vs IND, 2009
India faced Bangladesh in the fourth Group A fixture of the Men's T20 World Cup 2009 in Nottingham.
India batted first and posted a match-winning total of 180/5. Gautam Gambhir top-scored with a 46-ball 50. He reached his half-century in 44 balls. Gambhir's innings included four boundaries.
India defended the total successfully, restricting Bangladesh to 155/8 to win the game by 25 runs.
#4 Virat Kohli, SA vs IND, 2024
Virat Kohli's 48-ball fifty in the final of the Men's T20 World Cup 2024 takes the fourth spot on this list.
With India losing Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Suryakumar Yadav early, the onus was on Kohli to bring his experience into play. Taking his time to settle in, the Indian batter played a vital knock of 76 from 59 balls.
India managed to restrict South Africa and win by seven runs to win an ICC trophy after a long gap of 11 years. Virat Kohli was awarded the Player of The Match for his brilliant innings.
#3 Suryakumar Yadav, USA vs IND, 2024
Suryakumar Yadav's unbeaten 49-ball 50 takes the third spot on this list. India restricted the USA to 110/8 while bowling first in their Group A game of the Men's T20 World Cup 2024 in New York.
India lost Rohit, Virat, and Rishabh early in what proved to be a tricky chase. However, Suryakumar Yadav, with his gritty half-century, ensured India got over the line against a promising USA bowling attack.
India won the game by seven wickets in 18.2 overs with 10 balls to spare. Known for his destructive hitting, this was an innings unlike a typical knock from Suryakumar Yadav in the format, showing his ability to bat through.
#2 Gautam Gambhir, AUS vs IND, 2012
Number two on the list features former Indian opener Gautam Gambir once again. This was the second T20I of the series between Australia and India, played on February 3, 2012, in Melbourne.
Batting first, Australia were bowled out for just 131 in 20 overs, with Praveen Kumar and Rahul Sharma picking up two wickets apiece for India. The visitors were off to a steady start in the chase. India lost Virender Sehwag and Virat Kohli.
However, Gambhir held one end and played a sensible innings. He reached his fifty off 54 deliveries. The prolific left-hander finished unbeaten on 56 off 60 balls, as India won the game by eight wickets in the final over.
#1 KL Rahul, IND vs SA, 2022
KL Rahul holds an unwanted record for the slowest T20I fifty by an Indian batter. He achieved the feat during the first game of the three-match series against South Africa at Thiruvananthapuram in 2022.
Bowling first, India restricted South Africa to 106/8. It was a difficult wicket to bat on, as the chase was not easy for the hosts. India could score only 17 runs in the first six overs.
Although Rahul seemed to be struggling throughout his innings, he smashed a six to help India cross the line by eight wickets in the end. His six also took him past the 50-run mark as he remained unbeaten on 51 off 56 deliveries.