Quick-fire fifties: Top 5 batsmen with most IPL fifties in less than 25 balls
In cricket, scoring runs quickly is important in the shortest format. Quickfire knocks change the game on its head and turn out to be match-winning as well. Some of the top and aggressive are experts in doing so and have been doing consistently well in a tournament like IPL.
Let us have a look at the batsmen who have crossed the barrier of 50 the most times in less than 25 balls.
5. Chris Gayle – 5
Chirs Gayle remains one of the most ruthless batsmen in the history of T20 cricket. Representing RCB, KKR, and KXIP, he has scored 4484 runs in 125 games, with 6 100s and 28 50s. 5 of those came in less than 25 deliveries. Gayle was typically a slow starter. He used to take his time for the initial 10-15 balls, and then unleash himself. He brought up his fastest half-century in 17 deliveries against Pune Warriors India in 2013, eventually scoring 175*- the highest score in the history of the format.
FIFTY comes up for the #UniverseBoss. Fasten up your seat belts, everyone ?? pic.twitter.com/yKmHAUnNPL
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 10, 2019
4. Virender Sehwag – 6
Former India opener Virender Sehwag entertained fans throughout his international and IPL career with his explosive brand of batting. He amassed 2728 runs in 104 games at a strike-rate of 156, with 2 100s and 16 50s- 6 of which came under 25 balls. His fastest 50 came in 21 balls in a crunch game against Chennai Super Kings in the 2014 Qualifier 2. He converted the 50 into 122 runs, playing one of the best innings in an IPL Knockout match.
3. AB de Villiers – 6
One of the best batsmen of the modern era, AB de Villiers has played for Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Popularly known as ‘Superman’ and ‘Mr.360’, he has won countless games for his side in IPL and international cricket. He has plundered 4550 runs in 147 innings at a strike-rate of 151.97, with 3 100s and 35 50s- 6 of which have been scored under 25 balls. His fastest half-century came against Rajasthan Royals in 2012 where he scored 59* off just 23 balls.
2. Kieron Pollard – 7
Explosive West Indies and Mumbai Indians all-rounder Kieron Pollard is 2nd on this list. Pollard has scored 2918 runs in 140 innings, at an average of close to 30 and a strike rate of nearly 150. He is undoubtedly one of the most crucial players for Mumbai Indians lower down the order. 7 of his 15 career half-centuries have come in less than 25 balls. This goes to show the amount of impact Pollard has in the Mumbai Indians lineup, making them the most successful franchise in the history of the league.
1. David Warner- 8
Australia and Sunrisers Hyderabad opener David Warner sits on top of this list comprising some of the most elite cricketers in the shortest format. He has been the most consistent batsman in IPL, scoring 4881 runs in 131 innings, with 45 half-centuries and 4 100s- 8 of which came in less than 25 balls. This has ensured that Sunrisers Hyderabad get quick starts at the top of the order, more often than not. His fastest half-century came against KKR in 2017 off just 20 deliveries. He later went on to make 126 runs.
