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Fastest Fifty in IPL: Romario Shepherd misses Yashasvi Jaiswal’s record by a ball

Romario Shepherd looked all set to demolish Yashasvi Jaiswal’s record of the fastest fifty in IPL. Had he hit Khaleel Ahmed for even a boundary, he would have smashed the record. But the record stays intact as Shepherd smashed a 14-ball half-century in RCB vs CSK clash. He joined KL Rahul and Pat Cummins to hit a 14-ball fifty. This was the fastest half-century of IPL 2025.

Yashasvi Jaiswal hit the fastest fifty of IPL history exactly two years ago on May 11 in Kolkata when he hammered a 13-ball half-century. Yusuf Pathan, Sunil Narine and Nicholas Pooran, and Jake Fraser-McGurk have hit 15-ball fifties in IPL, while Suresh Raina has hit a 16-ball fifty.

Fastest Fifty in IPL

Pos Player Balls Match Venue Date
1 Yashasvi Jaiswal 13 Rajasthan Royals v Kolkata Knight Riders Kolkata May 11, 2023
T2 Romario Shepherd 14 Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings Bengaluru May 03, 2025
T2 KL Rahul 14 Kings XI Punjab v Delhi Capitals Mohali April 8, 2018
T2 Pat Cummins 14 Kolkata Knight Riders v Mumbai Indians Pune April 6, 2022
T3 Yusuf Pathan 15 Kolkata Knight Riders v Sunrisers Hyderabad Kolkata May 24, 2014
T3 Sunil Narine 15 Kolkata Knight Riders v Royal Challengers Bangalore Bengaluru May 7, 2017
T3 Nicholas Pooran 15 Lucknow Super Giants v Royal Challengers Bangalore Bengaluru April 10, 2023
T3 Jake Fraser-McGurk 15 Delhi Capitals v Sunrisers Hyderabad Delhi April 20, 2024
T3 Jake Fraser-McGurk 15 Delhi Capitals v Mumbai Indians Delhi April 27, 2024
T4 Suresh Raina 16 Chennai Super Kings v Kings XI Punjab Mumbai May 30, 2014

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal – 13 Balls

  • Match: Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders
  • Date: May 11, 2023
  • Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Yashasvi Jaiswal holds the crown for the fastest half-century in IPL history, reaching the milestone in a jaw-dropping 13 balls. Playing for the Rajasthan Royals against the Kolkata Knight Riders, the young opener unleashed an onslaught that left bowlers and fans stunned. His aggressive intent was evident from the first ball, as he smashed boundaries and sixes with surgical precision. Jaiswal’s 50 was part of a scintillating 98* off 47 balls, guiding RR to a comfortable chase. This record-breaking knock cemented Jaiswal’s reputation as one of India’s brightest batting talents.


2. Romario Shepherd – 14 balls

  • Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings
  • Date: May 3, 2025
  • Venue: Mohali

With RCB hitting a roadblock in the middle-overs after Virat Kohli fell, they needed some fire at the death. RCB could only score 38 runs in 6 overs, losing four wickets after Kohli was dismissed for 62. But Romario Shepherd had other ideas. He destroyed Khaleel Ahmed for 33 runs in the 19th over. He hit 4 sixes and two fours. However, he missed out on the fastest fifty in IPL as he missed the free-hit following a no-ball by Ahmed. Had he hit the free-hit, he could have equalled or surpassed Jaiswal. Shepherd ended up with a 14-ball 53 that had four fours and six sixes. He struck at a strike rate of 378.57.


3. KL Rahul – 14 Balls

  • Match: Kings XI Punjab vs Delhi Capitals
  • Date: April 8, 2018
  • Venue: Mohali

KL Rahul’s 14-ball 50 for Kings XI Punjab against Delhi Capitals is a masterclass in clean, aggressive batting. Opening the innings, Rahul tore into the DC bowling attack with 6 fours and 4 sixes, racing to his half-century in near-record time. His 51 off 16 balls set the tone for Punjab’s dominant victory, showcasing his ability to blend elegance with brute force. This knock remains one of the most memorable in IPL history, highlighting Rahul’s prowess as a top-order batsman.


4. Pat Cummins – 14 Balls

  • Match: Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Mumbai Indians
  • Date: April 6, 2022
  • Venue: Pune

Known for his fiery bowling, Pat Cummins turned heads with a sensational batting performance for Kolkata Knight Riders against Mumbai Indians. Batting at No. 7, Cummins smashed a 14-ball 50, equalling Rahul’s record at the time. His innings featured 6 sixes and 4 fours, as he single-handedly powered KKR to chase down 161 with overs to spare. Cummins’ knock was a reminder that all-rounders can steal the show with the bat, leaving MI shell-shocked and fans in awe.


5. Yusuf Pathan – 15 Balls

  • Match: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
  • Date: May 24, 2014
  • Venue: Kolkata

Yusuf Pathan’s 15-ball 50 for Kolkata Knight Riders against Sunrisers Hyderabad was a defining moment in the 2014 IPL playoffs. Known for his brute power, Pathan demolished SRH’s bowling attack, including a 26-run over against Dale Steyn, one of the world’s best fast bowlers. His 72 off 22 balls, with a half-century in just 15 balls, propelled KKR to a crucial victory. Pathan’s fearless approach made this knock a fan favorite and a testament to his match-winning ability.


6. Sunil Narine – 15 Balls

  • Match: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
  • Date: April 7, 2017
  • Venue: Bengaluru

Sunil Narine, typically a mystery spinner, stunned Royal Challengers Bangalore with a 15-ball 50 as an opener for Kolkata Knight Riders. Promoted to exploit the powerplay, Narine smashed 6 fours and 4 sixes, racing to his half-century in a whirlwind of aggression. His explosive start laid the foundation for KKR’s victory, proving that Narine’s batting could be as dangerous as his bowling. This innings remains one of the most unexpected yet thrilling in IPL history.


7. Nicholas Pooran – 15 Balls

Match: Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
Date: April 10, 2023
Venue: Bengaluru

Nicholas Pooran’s 15-ball 50 for Lucknow Super Giants against Royal Challengers Bangalore was a game-changer in a high-octane chase. The West Indian powerhouse unleashed a barrage of sixes, turning the match in LSG’s favor with his aggressive strokeplay. Pooran’s ability to dominate quality bowling attacks was on full display, making this knock a standout in the 2023 IPL season. His quickfire 50 set the stage for a thrilling victory, cementing his reputation as a T20 finisher.


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