Fastest T20I half-century by an Indian at No. 6
Reaching a half-century while batting lower order down is a tough ask for any player, especially in the shortest international format. There is hardly any time left for the batters coming late to bat at no. six. Even if the wickets fall early and that player is in, he has to make sure he stays right till the end to take his side to a good total or chase down the target. For India, a few players have not only struck their respective fifties but they did so in real quick time and they feature in this article.
Let’s take a look at the fastest half-centuries for India at no. six in T20 internationals:
3. MS Dhoni (27 balls)
MS Dhoni has smashed the third-fastest fifty for India batting at no. six position in the T20I format. He achieved the feat against South Africa in Centurion in 2018. Batting first, India posted 188/4 as Dhoni brought up his half-century in 27 deliveries. He scored an unbeaten 52 off 28 with four fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 185.71. However, his efforts went in vain as the Proteas sealed the deal by six wickets.
2. Dinesh Karthik (26 balls)
Veteran Dinesh Karthik brought up his maiden half-century in T20 internationals in some style as he registered the second-quickest fifty by an Indian at no. six. Karthik managed the feat against South Africa in Rajkot last year. The home side batted first and posted 169/6 as Karthik slammed his first fifty in the format, in just 26 deliveries. He ended up with 55 off 27 with the help of nine fours and two maximums at a strike rate of 203.70. To put the icing on the cake, India won the game by 82 runs with Karthik winning the Player of the Match award.
1. Washington Sundar (25 balls)
All-rounder Washington Sundar now holds the record for the fastest fifty at no. 6. The left-handed batter achieved the feat against New Zealand in Ranchi in the ongoing series. The Blackcaps batted first and managed to score a competitive total of 176/6 in 20 overs. The hosts were struggling at 83/4 and that is when Sundar walked in. He hit his maiden half-century in just 25 deliveries and ended his innings at 50 off 28, which included five fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 178.57. Though, his efforts went in vain as the Kiwis won the contest by 21 runs.
