Test cricket is often known for its slow pace and long sessions, where patience and strategy are key. But every now and then, a batter comes along who flips the script, delivering explosive performances that leave fans in awe. half centuries in test cricket usually take time, but some players manage to reach this milestone in record speed, showcasing their ability to dominate even the most challenging format. In this article, Let’s look at the top 10 fastest half centuries in Test cricket history, celebrating the incredible skill and power of these extraordinary players
List of 10 Fastest Half Centuries in Test Cricket
| Balls | Player | Match | Location | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Misbah-ul-Haq | Pakistan vs Australia | Abu Dhabi | 2014 |
| 23 | David Warner | Australia vs Pakistan | Sydney | 2017 |
| 24 | Jacques Kallis | South Africa vs Zim | Cape Town | 2005 |
| 24 | Ben Stokes | England vs WI | Birmingham | 2024 |
| 25 | Shane Shillingford | WI vs New Zealand | Kingston | 2014 |
| 26 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan vs India | Bangalore | 2005 |
| 26 | Mohammad Ashraful | Bangladesh vs India | Mirpur | 2007 |
| 26 | Dale Steyn | SA vs West Indies | Port Elizabeth | 2014 |
| 27 | Mohammad Yousuf | Pakistan vs SA | Cape Town | 2003 |
| 28 | Foffie Williams | WI vs England | Bridgetown | 1948 |
10. Misbah-ul-Haq – 21 Balls
Misbah-ul-Haq holds the record for the quickest half centuries in Test cricket, reaching the milestone in just 21 balls during a match against Australia in Abu Dhabi in 2014. As Pakistan’s captain at the time, Misbah also completed a century in just 56 balls, making it his second hundred of the match. His explosive innings included 11 fours and 5 sixes, and he retired in 2017 with 5,222 runs in Test matches at an average of 46.62. One of his highlights as captain was leading Pakistan to victory in the 2012 Asia Cup.
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9. David Warner – 23 Balls
Australia’s David Warner scored the second half centuries in test cricket, reaching it in 23 balls against Pakistan in Sydney in 2017. Warner, known for his attacking style, went on to score 55 runs from 27 deliveries, which featured eight fours and three sixes. He retired from international cricket in June 2024, leaving behind a record of 8,786 Test runs at an average of 44.59 over 205 innings.
8. Jacques Kallis – 24 Balls
South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis reached his fifty in just 24 balls against Zimbabwe in 2005. In that match, Zimbabwe had been bowled out for just 54 runs, and Kallis capitalized on the opportunity to bat aggressively, helping South Africa extend their lead. Kallis is one of the few players to have scored over 10,000 runs and taken more than 250 wickets in both Test and ODI formats.
7. Ben Stokes – 24 Balls
In July 2024, Ben Stokes broke the record for the fastest half centuries in test cricket by an English cricketer. He achieved this milestone in 24 balls during a Test match against the West Indies in Birmingham. Stokes went on to score 57 runs off 28 balls and finished the game with a six that secured a 10-wicket win for England.
6. Shane Shillingford – 25 Balls
West Indies spinner Shane Shillingford surprised everyone when he scored a half centuries in test cricket off 25 balls against New Zealand in 2014. Known for his bowling rather than his batting, Shillingford’s quickfire 53 runs came in just 29 balls, and it remains the highest score by a No. 11 batsman in the fourth innings of a Test match.
5. Shahid Afridi – 26 Balls
Shahid Afridi made a name for himself with a blistering half centuries in test cricket from 26 balls against India in 2005. He went on to score 58 runs off 34 deliveries, including eight boundaries and two sixes. Afridi is better known for his performances in limited-overs cricket, but he still made a mark in Tests, scoring 1,716 runs at an average of 36.51.
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4. Mohammad Ashraful – 26 Balls
Bangladesh’s Mohammad Ashraful also reached his half centuries in test cricket in 26 balls against India in 2007. His innings included several boundaries, and he played aggressively against India’s bowling attack. However, Ashraful’s career was cut short due to a five-year ban for match-fixing in 2014.
3. Dale Steyn – 26 Balls
South African fast bowler Dale Steyn, renowned for his bowling, stunned everyone with a quickfire 50 off 26 balls against the West Indies in 2014. Steyn’s 58 off 28 deliveries included six fours and five sixes. He retired from all forms of cricket in 2021, ending a career in which he became South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in Tests.
2. Mohammad Yousuf – 27 Balls
Mohammad Yousuf’s fifty off 27 balls against South Africa in 2003 is another standout performance. Yousuf is best remembered for his 2006 record of 1,788 runs in a calendar year, which remains unbeaten. He finished his career with 7,530 Test runs at an average of 52.
1. Foffie Williams – 28 Balls
Foffie Williams, a West Indian cricketer from the 1940s, scored a fifty off 28 balls in Bridgetown in 1948. Though known more as a fast bowler, Williams’ rapid innings of boundaries earned him a place in history for his aggressive batting.
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