Fastest Fifty in PSL History (2016-2023) – A Statistical Analysis

The Pakistan Super League, in its eight seasons so far, has witnessed some truly remarkable and enthralling batting performances. Throughout the years, numerous exceptionally talented players from around the globe have graced the tournament with their presence, displaying their exceptional skills and abilities to score quick-fire runs. Let’s have a closer look into some of the fascinating batting performances and explore the records for the fastest fifty in PSL history.

Kamran Akmal (17 Balls)

Peshawar Zalmi's opening batter, Kamran Akmal, who also holds the record for fourth most number of fifties in PSL achieved the fastest 50 in PSL history by reaching the milestone in just 17 deliveries. This remarkable feat occurred during a match against Karachi Kings in the 2nd eliminator game of the 2018 edition.

Despite losing the toss and batting first, Kamran, who had been struggling with a hamstring injury before the match, made a blazing start. He smashed 5 fours and 8 sixes, scoring 77 runs off just 27 balls. His contribution helped Zalmi reach a total of 170/7 in a rain-affected match, which was reduced to 16 overs per side.

Zalmi went on to win the match by 13 runs, securing their place in the finals as the runner-up.

Asif Ali (17 Balls)

Middle-order batter Asif Ali equalled Kamran Akmal's record of the fastest fifty in the 2019 edition of the PSL. He achieved this feat while playing an outstanding inning against Lahore Qalandars for his team Islamabad United. The match took place at the National Stadium in Karachi, where Qalandars won the toss and chose to field. Cameron Delport punished them with an unbeaten century.

Coming in to bat at number 5, Asif took advantage of the well-set stage, with the team's score at 150/3 in the 14th over. He hit 3 fours and 6 sixes to score an unbeaten 55 runs in just 21 deliveries. His partnership of 88 runs for the fourth wicket helped the team reach a match-winning total of 238/3.

Hazratullah Zazai (17 Balls)

In the 2021 PSL edition, another Peshawar Zalmi batsman, Hazratullah Zazai from Afghanistan, equalled the record for the fastest century in PSL history, achieved in just 17 balls. After the bowlers successfully restricted the Karachi Kings to a low score of 109 runs in the first innings, Zazai opened the innings with Kamran Akmal. After his partner's dismissal, Zazai unleashed his aggressive batting, hitting 8 fours and 4 sixes. Zazai matched his opening partner's record, scoring 63 runs off 26 balls, as Zalmi comfortably chased down the target in just 11 overs.

Rilee Rossouw (17 Balls)

Multan Sultans' experienced number 3 batsman from South Africa, Rilee Rossouw, put on a spectacular performance by scoring the fastest fifty in PSL 8. The Sultans were given a record target of 243 runs in Rawalpindi. Despite losing captain Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood early, Rossouw dominated the bowlers, partnering with Kieron Pollard to add 99 runs for the 3rd wicket. He reached the joint-fastest fifty off 17 balls and went on to achieve the fastest century in PSL history, reaching three figures in just 41 balls. His incredible knock of 121 off 51 balls included 12 fours and 8 sixes.

Paul Stirling (18 Balls)

The Islamabad United opener plundered 7 fours and 3 sixes in his attacking knock of 57 in 25 balls scoring the fastest fifty in PSL 7 in 18 deliveries in 2022. Peshawar Zalmi batted first and put 168/6 on the board. Stirling and Alex Hales started off in attacking fashion adding 78 runs without a dent in the powerplay. The duo added a total of 112 runs before Stirling was run out in the 10th over, the only way the Irish superstar could have been dismissed in such a destructive form.

Tim David (18 Balls)

Multan Sultans' number 4 batsman, Tim David, demolished the Peshawar Zalmi bowling attack to achieve the joint fastest half-century of PSL 6. Coming in to bat with the team's score at 127/2 in the 14th over, David wasted no time in launching his attack. He smashed a six on the very first ball he faced, followed by a boundary. In total, he cleared the fence 6 times, finishing unbeaten on 51 off just 19 deliveries. His brilliant innings helped the team reach a formidable first innings total of 222/3, resulting in a victory.

Mohammad Haris (18 Balls)

In the league stage game between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore in the 2022 edition of the Pakistan Super League, Peshawar Zalmi's batting line-up performed exceptionally well. After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, wicketkeeper and opening batter Mohammad Haris played an outstanding innings, scoring a quickfire half-century in just 18 balls. During the powerplay, Haris and his opening partner added 73 runs in 5.4 overs, with his partner contributing only 13 runs. Haris hit 5 fours and 4 sixes to reach his half-century milestone. However, he was eventually dismissed in the 10th over by Waqas Maqsood after scoring 70 runs off 32 balls, including 7 fours and 5 sixes.

Luke Ronchi (19 Balls)

In the crucial qualifier game between Karachi Kings and Islamabad United during the 2018 edition of the PSL, Luke Ronchi made history by scoring the fastest fifty at that time. He remained unbeaten on 94 runs off just 39 deliveries while opening the innings in the chase of 155 runs. Despite facing bowlers like Mohammad Amir, Usman Shinwari, Tymal Mills, Shahid Afridi, and Mohammad Irfan, Ronchi dominated the game, hitting 12 fours and 5 sixes. His brilliant performance propelled United to the final, with the team winning the match with 45 balls to spare, setting another PSL record in the process.

James Vince (20 Balls)

In a rain-affected match during PSL 2020 at Rawalpindi, the Multan Sultans had to chase a target of 92 runs in 9 overs. James Vince opened the innings for the team. The English batsman played an outstanding innings, hitting 11 fours and a six to secure victory. The Sultans scored 48 runs in the 3-over powerplay and reached the 50-run mark in just 3.2 overs. Vince reached 40 runs when the opening partnership with Zeeshan Ashraf reached 50 runs. He finished the innings with an unbeaten 61 runs off 24 deliveries.