One Day International (ODI) cricket has witnessed some breathtaking displays of aggressive batting, with players reaching the 50-run mark in astonishingly few deliveries. The fastest ODI fifties are a testament to the evolving nature of the game, where batsmen have pushed the boundaries of scoring rates and redefined what’s possible in limited-overs cricket.
West Indies all-rounder Matthew Forde made headlines by equaling AB de Villiers’ world record for the fastest fifty in One-Day Internationals, reaching the milestone in just 16 balls during the second ODI against Ireland in Dublin on May 23, 2025. Forde, primarily known for his fast bowling, stunned the cricketing world with a blistering knock of 58 off 19 balls, smashing eight sixes and two fours in his whirlwind innings.
1. AB De Villiers
South African cricket legend AB de Villiers set the world record for the fastest fifty in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) when he blasted a half-century off just 16 balls against the West Indies in Johannesburg on January 18, 2015. In that unforgettable innings, de Villiers went on to score 149 runs from only 44 deliveries, showcasing an extraordinary display of power hitting and innovation that stunned the cricketing world. His 16-ball fifty remains one of the most iconic moments in ODI history, a benchmark for explosive batting that has inspired players across generations.
2. Matthew Forde
West Indies’ Matthew Forde etched his name into cricket history by equalling AB de Villiers’ record for the fastest ODI half-century. Forde reached 50 runs in just 16 balls during the second ODI against Ireland at Castle Avenue, Dublin, on May 23, 2025. Batting at number eight, the 23-year-old smashed an explosive 58 runs off 19 balls, including two fours and eight sixes, showcasing remarkable power hitting. His blistering innings helped West Indies post a commanding total of 352 for 8. Forde’s rapid-fire knock featured a sensational over where he hit four consecutive sixes, and he formed a crucial seventh-wicket partnership with Justin Greaves. This feat places him alongside the legendary AB de Villiers, who set the original record in 2015, making Forde’s innings one of the most electrifying in ODI cricket history.
3. Sanath Jayasuriya
Dangerous batsman Sanath Jayasuriya scored a half-century in 17 balls against Pakistan in 1996. In this match, he scored 76 runs with the help of 5 sixes and 8 fours.
4. Kusal Perera
Sri Lankan veteran batsman Kusal Perera scored a half-century in 17 balls against Pakistan in 2015. In this match, he scored 68 runs with the help of 2 sixes and 13 fours.
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5. Martin Guptill
Martin Guptill, one of the most dangerous batsmen of New Zealand, scored a half-century in 17 balls against Sri Lanka in 2015. In this match, he scored 93 runs with the help of 8 sixes and 9 fours.
These records stand as milestones of ODI cricket’s most electrifying moments, inspiring future generations to aim higher and score faster.
