The fastest fifties in Test cricket belongs to Misbah-ul-Haq, who achieved this incredible milestone in just 21 balls during a match against Australia in 2014.
Even though Test cricket is typically known for its slower pace, there have been some lightning-fast innings in the game’s history. Brendon McCullum set a record for the fastest century in Test cricket in 2016, reaching 100 runs in only 54 balls against Australia. Misbah-ul-Haq, however, holds the record for the quickest fifty, hitting it in just 21 balls in a 2014 match against Australia. Here is a list of the fastest fifties in Test cricket:
Top 10 Batsmen with the Fastest Fifties in Test Cricket
| Balls | Player | Match | Location | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Misbah-ul-Haq | Pakistan v Australia | Abu Dhabi | 2014 |
| 23 | David Warner | Australia v Pakistan | Sydney | 2017 |
| 24 | Jacques Kallis | South Africa v Zimbabwe | Cape Town | 2005 |
| 24 | Ben Stokes | England v West Indies | Birmingham | 2024 |
| 25 | Shane Shillingford | West Indies v New Zealand | Kingston | 2014 |
| 26 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan v India | Bangalore | 2005 |
| 26 | Mohammad Ashraful | Bangladesh v India | Mirpur | 2007 |
| 26 | Dale Steyn | South Africa v West Indies | Port Elizabeth | 2014 |
| 27 | Mohammad Yousuf | Pakistan v South Africa | Cape Town | 2003 |
| 28 | Foffie Williams | West Indies v England | Bridgetown | 1948 |
| 28 | Ian Botham | England v India | Delhi | 1981 |
| 28 | Chris Gayle | West Indies v New Zealand | Port of Spain | 2014 |
| 28 | Colin de Grandhomme | New Zealand v Sri Lanka | Christchurch | 2018 |
| 28 | Rishabh Pant | India v Sri Lanka | Bengaluru | 2022 |
1. Misbah-ul-Haq – 21 Balls
Misbah-ul-Haq of Pakistan holds the record for the fastest fifty in Test cricket history. He achieved this feat against Australia in Abu Dhabi in 2014, smashing 50 runs in just 21 deliveries. Misbah, then captain of Pakistan, went on to score 100 off 56 balls in that innings. His half-century took only 23 minutes to complete. The innings included five sixes and 11 fours.
Misbah retired in 2017, finishing his career with 5,222 Test runs at an average of 46.62. One of his major achievements as a captain was leading Pakistan to victory in the 2012 Asia Cup.
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2. David Warner – 23 Balls
Australian opener David Warner ranks second on this list, reaching his fifty in just 23 balls against Pakistan in Sydney in 2017. Warner’s aggressive style saw him score 55 off 27 balls, including eight fours and three sixes. Wahab Riaz bowled him out shortly after.
Warner retired earlier this year, ending a career with 8,786 Test runs at an average of 44.59. He played his final Test in January 2024 and retired from all forms of cricket by June 2024.
3. Jacques Kallis – 24 Balls
Legendary South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis hit a quick fifty off 24 balls against Zimbabwe in 2005. Kallis took full advantage of Zimbabwe’s poor start, attacking from the outset after they were bowled out for just 54. Kallis remains the only cricketer with over 10,000 runs and more than 250 wickets in both Tests and ODIs. He retired from international cricket in 2014.
4. Ben Stokes – 24 Balls
In 2024, Ben Stokes broke the record for the fastest Test fifty by an English player, reaching his half-century in just 24 balls during a win over the West Indies. He hit 57 off 28 balls, ending the innings with a six to secure victory for England. This innings surpassed Ian Botham’s 43-year-old record for England’s fastest fifty.
5. Shane Shillingford – 25 Balls
West Indian bowler Shane Shillingford surprised everyone by hitting a rapid fifty off 25 balls against New Zealand in 2014. Batting at number 11, Shillingford scored 53 not out from 29 balls, including the fastest fifty ever by a number 11 batsman.
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6. Shahid Afridi – 26 Balls
Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi reached a half-century in just 26 balls against India in 2005. His explosive innings saw him score 58 runs off 34 deliveries. Afridi’s quick innings and his contributions with the ball helped Pakistan secure an impressive victory over India.
7. Mohammad Ashraful – 26 Balls
Bangladesh’s Mohammad Ashraful scored a rapid fifty off 26 balls against India in 2007. He smashed a series of boundaries and reached the milestone with two consecutive fours. However, Ashraful’s career was cut short by a match-fixing ban in 2014.
8. Dale Steyn – 26 Balls
South African fast bowler Dale Steyn hit a blistering fifty off 26 balls against the West Indies in 2014. Steyn’s powerful knock of 58 off 28 balls included six fours and five sixes. He retired from all forms of cricket in 2021 after an illustrious career as South Africa’s leading wicket-taker.
9. Mohammad Yousuf – 27 Balls
Mohammad Yousuf from Pakistan scored a 27-ball fifty against South Africa in 2003. Yousuf is known for setting the record for most Test runs in a calendar year, scoring 1,788 runs in 2006.
10. Foffie Williams – 28 Balls
West Indies cricketer Foffie Williams reached his fifty in just 28 balls in a match against England in 1948. Known for his bowling, Williams’ fast fifty remains one of the most memorable performances in West Indian cricket history.
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