India Under-19 opener, Rishabh Pant scored the fastest ever half-century at the Under-19 level to help India U-19's chase against Nepal U-19 in the final match of the group stages for India.
After Nepal scored 169/8 in 48 overs, Pant started the chase on an attacking note right from the start bludgeoning the bowlers to all parts of the ground. Pant scored his 50 off just 18 balls and thereby set the record for the fastest fifty ever scored in U-19 cricket (based on records that exist).
The 18-year-old southpaw's innings came to an end when he attempted to slog Prem Tamang. Pant scored 78 off just 24 balls to allow the Indian colts to comfortably chase down the target.
Pant hit nine fours and five sixes in his innings. 66 of his 78 runs came through just boundaries, showing how he dominated the Nepalese bowling attack.
In the previous game against New Zealand U-19, Pant had scored 57 off 83 balls. However, during this game, he showed a different side to his batting as he clobbered bowlers at will.
The wicketkeeper-batsman made his debut in first-class cricket in October 2015 and his List A debut in December 2015 for Delhi. He has one first-class fifty to his name.
With this attacking innings, Pant has grabbed the attention of many in the cricketing fraternity and will be one of the players to look out for in the immediate future.
Pant will be hoping to continue his great form in the Under-19 World Cup and help the Indian Under-19 squad go all the way and bring the trophy home.
Here is the list of the top three fastest 50s in Youth ODIs:
| Batsman (Country) | Balls taken | Year |
| Rishabh Pant (India U-19) | 18 | 2016 |
| Trevon Griffith (West Indies U-19) | 19 | 2010 |
| George Bailey (Australia Under-19) | 21 | 2002 |
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