Top 3 fastest ODI fifties against India

New Zealand thumped India by five wickets in the third ODI at Mount Maunganui to clinch the three-match series 3-0. After being whitewashed 5-0 in the preceding T20Is it was the perfect comeback by the hosts, despite missing a couple of their key players - including skipper Kane Williamson for the first couple of games.

Having registered comprehensive wins at Hamilton (chasing a record 348) and Auckland, New Zealand shut out India by chasing 297 in the final one-dayer. After KL Rahul’s 112 led India to 296, Henry Nicholls (80) and Martin Guptill (66) got the Kiwis off to the perfect start.

While there was a slight hiccup, Colin de Grandhomme’s 28-ball unbeaten 58 sunk India. De Grandhomme reached his fifty off just 21 balls, making it one of the fastest ever ODI fifties against India.

On that note, here’s a look at the group that De Grandhomme has joined.

#3 Dougie Marillier (21 balls)

Dougie Marillier

Remember Dougie Marillier, the maverick Zimbabwe batsman who stunned India in a one-dayer at Faridabad with a 21-ball half-century back in 2002? Chasing India’s tough target of 275, Zimbabwe seemed gone for all money at 210 for 8.

But then, Marillier magic struck.

Playing the most unorthodox of shots, Marillier frustrated the Indians, particularly with the scoop over the keeper’s head, to which the bowlers had no answer. Coming in at number 10, Marillier smashed 10 fours and a six in his unbeaten 56 from 24 as Zimbabwe won a thriller by one wicket.

Also see – World Test Championship points table

Marillier’s brilliance ensured Alistair Campbell's (84) and Andy Flower’s (71) knocks did not go in vain.

India had to taste defeat despite an impressive batting performance. VVS Laxman top-scored for India with 75 while skipper Sourav Ganguly contributed 57 before being stumped off Marillier.

Ajit Agarkar’s unbeaten 19-ball 40 lifted India to 274. But in the wake of Marillier’s brutal assault, it wasn’t enough.

#2 Shahid Afridi (20 balls)

Shahid Afridi

'Boom Boom' Shahid Afridi was not known for his consistency. But on days when he got it right, he was unstoppable. One such occasion was the fifth ODI between India and Pakistan at Kanpur in 2005.

Afridi raced to a half-century in just 20 balls, taking on the likes of Lakshmipathy Balaji and even Anil Kumble and winning the contest hands down as Pakistan easily reached the target of 250. Afridi went on to blast 102 from 46 balls with 10 fours and as many as nine sixes. Balaji conceded 51 runs in his six overs while Dinesh Mongia went for 40 in 4.1.

For India, skipper Rahul Dravid top-scored with 86 while Mohammad Kaif contributed a crucial 78. However, with Afridi going on the rampage, India’s target on the day seemed rather minuscule.

#1 Glenn Maxwell (18 balls)

Glenn Maxwell

Australia’s Big Show Glenn Maxwell holds the record for the fastest fifty against India. He blasted a half-century from only 18 balls in the seventh ODI at Bengaluru in 2013. Unfortunately for him though, the blistering knock was in vain as it came after Rohit Sharma’s stunning 209 had taken India to 383 for 6.

In response to India’s mammoth total, Australia had crumbled to 74 for 4. With nothing to lose, Maxwell went on the rampage, and slashed 60 from only 22 balls with three fours and as many as seven sixes. He hit two fours and two sixes in an over from R Vinay Kumar, which went for 23.

After Maxwell’s dismissal, James Faulker made a radiant 116 from 73 balls, but India still won the contest by 57 runs. Shikhar Dhawan (60 from 57) and MS Dhoni (62 from 38) were the other key contributors in the game.

It was a forgettable day for bowlers with Vinay Kumar conceding 102, Clint McKay 89 and Nathan Coulter-Nile 80.