T20 World Cup 2026: Abhishek Sharma blitz helps India post fastest 50 of season in final against New Zealand

India got off to a blazing start in the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand, registering the fastest team fifty of the tournament as opener Abhishek Sharma led the charge. He raced to his half-century in just 18 balls before being dismissed for 52 off 21, setting the tone for India’s innings.

Click here for live updates on the India vs New Zealand match

Sanju Samson provided strong support, scoring 68 runs as India kept the run rate high in the early overs, while Ishan Kishan was batting on 42 as the innings progressed.


The explosive powerplay helped India race past the 50-run mark in record time this season, putting New Zealand’s bowlers under immediate pressure in the summit clash.

Here are the top five players who have hit the fastest fifties in the history of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup:

Yuvraj Singh — 12 balls

The fastest fifty in the history of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup belongs to Yuvraj Singh, who reached the milestone in just 12 balls against the England cricket team during the inaugural 2007 edition. The explosive knock in Durban remains one of the most iconic innings in T20 cricket.

Stephan Myburgh — 17 balls

Netherlands opener Stephan Myburgh smashed a 17-ball fifty against the Ireland cricket team in the 2014 tournament, helping his side get off to a flying start in the match.


Also Read: ICC T20 World Cup trophy has Jaipur connection

Marcus Stoinis — 17 balls

Australia’s Marcus Stoinis matched that feat with a 17-ball half-century against the Sri Lanka national cricket team in the 2022 edition, showcasing his power-hitting in the middle order.

Glenn Maxwell — 18 balls

Another Australian, Glenn Maxwell, blasted a 50 off 18 balls against the Pakistan national cricket team during the 2014 T20 World Cup, underlining his reputation as one of the most destructive T20 batters.

KL Rahul — 18 balls

India’s KL Rahul also features on the list with an 18-ball fifty against the Scotland national cricket team in the 2021 T20 World Cup, providing India with a rapid start in the chase.