Fastest 50s in IPL history
The 2017 Indian Premier League is less than two weeks away and the whole of India will be waiting with bated breath to witness the most popular T20 League in the world. Since its inception in 2008, every edition of the IPL has been ardently followed in India and around the globe.
Over the years, the IPL has seen a number of half-centuries that have been scored with immense pace and aggression and have been a pleasure to watch. Here’s a look at five of the fastest fifties in the history of the Indian Premier League.
#6 Adam Gilchrist – Deccan Chargers vs Delhi Daredevils, 2009, 17 balls
After ending the inaugural season of the IPL rock-bottom, the Deccan Chargers shocked everyone by reaching the semi-finals of the second edition in South Africa. In the semi-final at Centurion, the Chargers were up against table-toppers Delhi Daredevils who were the favourites to lift the trophy at that point and were yet to lose to the Deccan Chargers in the IPL.
The Daredevils were put in to bat first by Deccan Chargers’ skipper Adam Gilchrist and were off to the most dreadful of starts with both their openers Gautam Gambhir and David Warner being sent packing to the pavilion by Ryan Harris in a double-wicket maiden opening over. However, Tillakaratne Dilshan’s 51-ball 65, assisted by Virender Sehwag’s 39 and AB de Villiers’ 26, took the Daredevils to a challenging total of 153/8 in their 20 overs.
In reply, the Chargers’ Adam Gilchrist began to smash the bowlers to all parts of the ground from the very first over. While the other batsmen were just defending their wicket, the Australian batted fearlessly and in the process, scored the then-fastest fifty in IPL history.
Gilchrist was eventually dismissed for 85 off 35 deliveries with the scoreboard reading 102/3. However, it was too late for the Daredevils as Gilchrist had already put the Chargers in a winning position.
The Chargers chased down the target in 17.4 overs to reach the final which they went on to win against Royal Challengers Bangalore. The Aussie was eventually adjudged the “Player of the Tournament” as the Deccan Chargers were crowned champions of the Indian Premier League.