Cricket has witnessed many remarkable moments that have made a lasting impact on its rich history. One such accomplishment that truly represents the spirit of the sport is achieving the title of the fastest 50 in ODI World Cup.
Fastest 50 in ODI World Cup: Many cricket players aim to break the record and help their team win by reaching the required score quickly. Some manage to do so. However, others just give it a shot.
Throughout the Cup’s 48-year history, only six teams have had the privilege of lifting the prestigious gold and silver trophy. Looking ahead, the 2023 edition will feature 10 teams. Each one of them is eager to etch their name into the history books.
The World Cup follows the One-Day International format. It features 50-over games known for their highly entertaining and often electrifying yet technically advanced nature.
Despite the typically measured pace of ODI cricket, some players don’t adhere to the slow tempo and play with a fearless approach. While a 20 or 25-ball fifty is common in T20 games, the World Cup has also witnessed its fair share of explosive innings.
Players like Brendon McCullum, Glenn Maxwell, and AB de Villiers are renowned for their ability to maintain a high strike rate and score runs at an impressive pace.
Today, we explore the record books to uncover the fastest 50 in ODI World Cup, spanning from 1975 to 2023. Each entry serves as a testament to bold skill, daring hitting, and the sheer excitement of watching a batsman transform cricket into a whirlwind of entertainment.
Fastest 50 in ODI World Cup Time Table
| No | Player | Total Score | Opposition | Balls To Reach 50 | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brendon McCullum (NZ) | 77 | England | 18 | 20 Feb 2015 |
| 2 | Brendon McCullum (NZ) | 52 | Canada | 20 | 22 Mar 2007 |
| 3 | Angelo Mathews (SL) | 51 | Scotland | 20 | 11 Mar 2015 |
| 4 | Glenn Maxwell (Aus) | 88 | Afghanistan | 21 | 04 Mar 2015 |
| 5 | Mark Boucher (SA) | 75 | Netherlands | 21 | 16 Mar 2007 |
| 6 | Brendon McCullum (NZ) | 50 | Australia | 21 | 28 Feb 2015 |
| 7 | Mark Boucher (SA) | 52 | West Indies | 22 | 10 Apr 2007 |
| 8 | Dinesh Chandimal (SL) | 52 | Australia | 22 | 08 Mar 2015 |
| 9 | Brendon McCullum (NZ) | 59 | South Africa | 22 | 24 Mar 2015 |
| 10 | Brian Lara (WI) | 73 | Canada | 23 | 23 Feb 2003 |
| 11 | Jim Davison (Can) | 52 | New Zealand | 23 | 22 Mar 2007 |
| 12 | Kieron Pollard (WI) | 73 | Canada | 23 | 28 Feb 2011 |
| 13 | Kevin O'Brien (Ire) | 50 | UAE | 23 | 25 Feb 2015 |
| 14 | Wavell Hinds (WI) | 64 | Canada | 24 | 23 Feb 2003 |
| 15 | Jim Davison (Can) | 75 | New Zealand | 25 | 03 Mar 2003 |
| 16 | Travis Head (Aus) | 50* | New Zealand | 25 | 20 Oct 2023 |
1. Brendon McCullum (NZ) - 18 balls (2015 vs. England)
Brendon McCullum is the batsman for the New Zealand team. He is widely known for his explosive playing style, making him a standout figure in cricket history. His ability to maintain a consistently high strike rate across all formats of the game is remarkable. In his 27 innings in the World Cup, McCullum has notched up 6 fifties and 1 hundred. He showcased his impressive skill with a strike rate of 120.85.
McCullum showed he was the best at scoring fast fifties in the World Cup. In the 2015 tournament against England, he made an amazing fifty in just 18 balls. In fact, McCullum is the record holder for the two fastest 50 in ODI World Cup. He scored 77 in just 18 balls against England in 2015, and a fifty in 20 balls in 2007 against Canada.
At Wellington’s Basin Reserve, he hit the ball to all parts of the ground easily and confidently. His batting in that game changed how people see One-Day International (ODI) cricket, proving that being smart and aggressive can beat even the toughest bowling attacks.
2. Brendon McCullum (NZ) - 20 balls (2007 vs. Canada)
McCullum’s knack for scoring fast fifties traces back to the 2007 World Cup. It is where he smashed another explosive half-century in just 20 balls against Canada. This time, the captivating scene was set at Barbados’ scenic Kensington Oval. It is where he forcefully took on the Canadian bowlers, showcasing his raw power and impeccable timing.
3. Angelo Mathews (SL) - 20 balls (2015 vs. Scotland)
Angelo Mathews from Sri Lanka made history by securing the second-fastest 50 in ODI World Cup history. In a 2015 league match against Scotland, he reached his half-century in a blazing 20 balls. Sri Lanka posted a massive total of 363/9 in the first innings, with Kumar Sangakkara contributing 124 and Tillakaratne Dilshan scoring 104. Mathews himself played a crucial role. He scored 51 off 21 balls, including one four and six sixes. In response, Scotland managed to score 215 but fell short by 148 runs, resulting in a loss.
4. Glenn Maxwell (Aus) - 21 balls (2015 vs. Afghanistan)
Glenn Maxwell is a cricket powerhouse. He is recognized for his remarkable batting skills and exceptional ability to hit the ball. His consistent presence in the Australian team has been impressive. Also, he proudly holds the record for achieving the third-fastest 50 in World Cup history. This notable accomplishment took place during the 2015 World Cup match against Afghanistan. It is where he reached his half-century in just 21 balls, ultimately scoring a total of 88 runs.
5. Mark Boucher (SA) - 21 balls (2007 vs. Netherlands)
During the 2007 World Cup, Mark Boucher showcased another fast half-century. He achieved a 21-ball fifty against the Netherlands in Basseterre. South Africa set a formidable total of 353/3 in the first inning. The feat was achieved with Jacques Kallis contributing 128 and Herschelle Gibbs scoring 72 off 40 balls. Boucher himself played an impressive innings, scoring 75 not out from 31 balls. It includes nine fours and four sixes. In response, the Netherlands reached 132/9, facing a loss by 221 runs. Notably, the match was played as a 40-over game.
