Top 5 fastest fifties by a PBKS batter in IPL history ft. Prabhsimran Singh
Since the inception of Indian Premier League (IPL), the Punjab Kings (PBKS) have boasted quality batters in their line-up. It all started with Shaun Marsh and James Hopes in the initial few seasons, and then the duo of David Miller-Glenn Maxwell set the stage alight with their blistering performances.
In recent years, Chris Gayle and KL Rahul have been terrific to boost PBKS to strong totals on the board. On that note, let's check out the five fastest fifties by a Punjab batter in the cash-rich league.
#5 KL Rahul vs CSK - 19 balls, IPL 2019
In May 2019, the Punjab Kings faced the Chennai Super Kings in Mohali. Batting first, Chennai posted 170 on the board, courtesy of a top knock from Faf du Plessi (95).
In response, KL Rahul was spectacular with his batting display to hit a fifty off 19 balls. He went on to score 71 off 36, as the Punjab-based franchise sealed the chase in 18 overs.
#4 David Miller vs RR - 19 balls, IPL 2014
The April 2014 game witnessed the Punjab Kings face Rajasthan Royals in Sharjah. Rajasthan batted first and compiled a total of 191, with fifties from Sanju Samson and Shane Watson.
Thereafter, Glenn Maxwell and David Miller were sensational with their ball-striking abilities to help the team in chasing down the score with eight balls to spare. Maxwell slammed 89 off 45, while Miller smoked 51* off 19, with six sixes each.
#3 Prabhsimran Singh vs KKR - 18 balls, IPL 2024
On April 26, 2024, Prabhsimran Singh opened for the Punjab Kings against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. Batting first, KKR had posted 261 on the board, with Sunil Narine and Phil Salt scoring 70+ runs each.
Certainly, Prabhsimran had a tough task to provide a strong start to the visitors. He certainly achieved the improbable, as the youngster went on to slam 54 off 20, while completing his fifty off 18 balls.
#2 Nicholas Pooran vs SRH - 17 balls, IPL 2020
Nicholas Pooran played one of the finest knock by a PBKS batter in a losing cause against the SunRisers Hyderabad in IPL 2020. Jonny Bairstow (97) was scintillating with his knock to lead SRH to a mammoth score of 201.
In response, PBKS batters could not be potent enough with their contributions. It was left to Nicholas Pooran, as he finished his fifty off 17 balls and finished on 77 off 37 balls. In the end, Punjab were all-out for 132 and lost by 69 runs.
#1 KL Rahul vs DC, Mohali - 14 balls, IPL 2018
Kl Rahul stunned the cricket fraternity with his out-of-the-world shots, as he completed his fifty off 14 balls against the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2018.
Earlier, Delhi posted a strong total of 166 on the board, with top contribution from Gautam Gambhir (55). Then, Rahul hit 51 off 16 and Karun Nair scored 50 off 33 to pave the way for Punjab to win the game in the 19th over.