The Indian cricket team stands as one of the most successful sides in T20I cricket history. With two ICC T20 World Cup titles—a feat matched only by England and the West Indies—the Men in Blue have also secured the highest number of T20I wins. Their impressive win/loss ratio of 2.246 is the best among teams that have played at least 100 matches.
Since their T20I debut in 2006, India has consistently fielded world-class batsmen capable of taking the game away from opponents. Notably, five Indian players have smashed half-centuries in fewer than 20 balls in T20I cricket, showcasing their explosive capabilities.
5. Rohit Sharma – 19 balls vs Australia, 2024
In a must-win Super Eight clash against Australia during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in Gros Islet, former India captain Rohit Sharma showcased his class and composure under pressure. Opening the innings, Rohit smashed a breathtaking half-century in just 19 balls, eventually scoring 92 runs off 41 balls. His knock, featuring seven fours and eight sixes, powered India to a formidable total of 205. India went on to secure a 24-run victory, earning a spot in the semi-finals.
4. Gautam Gambhir – 19 balls vs Sri Lanka, 2009
Gautam Gambhir’s fiery 19-ball fifty came during a high-scoring thriller against Sri Lanka in Nagpur in 2009. Chasing a stiff target of 216, Gambhir blazed his way to 55 runs off 26 balls, hitting six boundaries and three maximums. While his explosive start gave India hope, the middle-order couldn’t capitalize, leading to a 29-run defeat.
3. Suryakumar Yadav – 18 balls vs South Africa, 2022
Suryakumar Yadav reaffirmed his status as one of the greatest T20 batters with a scintillating knock against South Africa in Guwahati in 2022. Coming in during the death overs, Suryakumar hammered an 18-ball fifty, eventually scoring 61 off just 22 deliveries with five boundaries and five sixes. India’s total of 237 proved too much for South Africa, with the hosts winning by 16 runs.
2. KL Rahul – 18 balls vs Scotland, 2021
KL Rahul’s 18-ball fifty came in a group-stage game against Scotland during the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai. Chasing a modest 86, Rahul went berserk, smashing six fours and three sixes in his unbeaten 50. India wrapped up the chase in just 6.3 overs to boost their net run rate significantly.
1. Yuvraj Singh – 12 balls vs England, 2007
Yuvraj Singh’s legendary 12-ball fifty against England in the 2007 T20 World Cup remains an iconic moment in cricket history. His innings featured the unforgettable six sixes off Stuart Broad in a single over, propelling him to a record-breaking half-century. Yuvraj finished with 58 off just 16 balls, helping India post 218 runs. India eventually won the game by 18 runs. Though this record was broken in 2023 by Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee, Yuvraj’s knock remains etched in cricketing folklore.
