Stats: Fastest half-centuries in Test cricket (in terms of balls faced)

West Indies suffered a humiliating 186-run loss in Kingston yesterday, but No. 11 Shane Shillingford managed to make the most out of the opportunity as he free stroked his way to teh 2nd fastest half-century in Test cricket, in terms of number of balls faced.

Shillingford(L) hits the ball away for six runs during the Test match against New Zealand

Chasing 403, West Indies lost their 9th wicket in the 2nd innings at just 134. Shillingford, in company of Sulieman Benn, used the long handle to good effect, bringing up his half century in just 25 balls. His partnership of 82 runs for the 10th wicket only delayed the inevitable as New Zealand dismissed Benn in the last over of the day to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

The off-spinner, who claimed 5/184 in the match, hit 5 sixes and 3 fours in his innings.

Here are the top 10 fastest half-centruies in Test cricket:

Rank	Player	No.of Balls	Opposition	Year
1	Jacques Kallis (SA)	24	Zimbabwe	2004-05
2	Shane Shillingford (WI)	25	New Zealand	2014
3	Shahid Afridi (PAK)	26	India	2004-05
4	Mohammad Ashraful (BAN)	26	India	2007
5	Yousuf Youhana (PAK)	27	South Africa	2002-03
6	Foffie Williams (WI)	28	England	1947-48
7	Ian Botham (ENG)	28	India	1981-82
8	Bruce Yardley (AUS)	29	West Indies	1977-78
9	Tim Southee (NZ)	29	England	2007-08
10	Kapil Dev (IND)	30	Pakistan	1982-83

Note: Stats updated till 11th June, 2014