India have often been a formidable opponent in T20Is, known for their disciplined bowling attack and fierce competitiveness. However, over the years, a few batters have managed to disrupt India’s plans by scoring incredibly rapid half-centuries, setting records that stand out in cricket’s shortest format.
South African all-rounder Marco Jansen made headlines by scoring the fastest T20I fifty against India in the third T20I at Centurion on Wednesday, November 13. Jansen's record-breaking knock gave India a thorough scare, establishing his reputation as a strong hitter down the order.
There have been several other instances where batters have smashed quick-fire fifties against India in the shortest format.
That said, here is a look at the five fastest fifties scored against India in men’s T20 internationals.
#5 Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lanka - 21 Balls (1st T20I, Nagpur 2009)
Kumar Sangakkara smashed a fiery 21-ball fifty against India during the first T20I in Nagpur in 2009. Leading his team, Sangakkara scored 78 runs off 37 balls, with the aid of 11 fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 210.81.
His half-century set the tone for Sri Lanka’s total of 215/5, which eventually proved insurmountable for India, who finished at 186/9. Sri Lanka’s 29-run victory was set up by Sangakkara’s aggressive yet elegant innings, a masterclass in T20 batting from one of the game’s greats.
#4 Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka - 20 Balls (2nd T20I, Pune 2023)
Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka showcased his big-hitting skills during the second T20I in Pune in 2023, taking the Indian bowlers to task. Walking in at a challenging moment with Sri Lanka at 138/5, Shanaka spearheaded a late surge, reaching his fifty in only 20 balls.
His unbeaten 56 off 22 balls included two fours and six sixes, propelling Sri Lanka to 206/6. The team’s momentum carried into their bowling, as they restricted India to 190/8, clinching a 16-run victory.
#3 Johnson Charles, West Indies - 20 Balls (1st T20I, Lauderhill 2016)
West Indies’ Johnson Charles dazzled the crowd with a high-octane knock during the first T20I against India in Lauderhill in 2016. The hosts batted first and Charles blazed to his fifty in just 20 balls, setting up a mammoth score for the West Indies.
He scored 79 runs off 33 balls, hitting six fours and seven sixes at an impressive strike rate of 239.39. The West Indies ultimately posted 245/6, which proved just enough as they edged out India by a single run in a thrilling contest.
#2 Cameron Green, Australia - 19 Balls (3rd T20I, Hyderabad 2022)
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green batted at a rapid pace during the third T20I in Hyderabad in 2022, reaching fifty off just 19 balls. Opening the innings alongside Aaron Finch, Green wasted no time and unleashed a flurry of boundaries that took India by surprise.
His 52-run knock off only 21 balls featured seven fours and three sixes, ending with a phenomenal strike rate of 247.61. Despite Australia posting a competitive total of 186/7, India chased down the target with six wickets to spare. Green’s explosive start, however, was a standout performance and remains one of the fastest fifties against India.
#1 Marco Jansen, South Africa - 16 Balls (3rd T20I, Centurion 2024)
Marco Jansen’s lightning-fast half-century is now the quickest T20I fifty ever recorded against India. In the third T20I in Centurion, Jansen’s remarkable 16-ball fifty nearly snatched the game from India’s grasp, despite a challenging target of 219.
South Africa were struggling at 169/6 with only two overs left, but Jansen’s onslaught gave India a scare, particularly in the 19th over when he smashed Hardik Pandya for 26 runs. Jansen’s assault included two sixes and three fours. Although India ultimately won by 11 runs, Jansen’s 16-ball blitz was a performance to remember.
Follow IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates, News & Biddings at Sportskeeda. Get the fastest updates on Mega-Auction and cricket news