Pandya's Power-Hitting Storm Lights Up Ahmedabad
Hardik Pandya produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting to register the second-fastest fifty by an Indian in T20 International history. The explosive all-rounder reached the milestone in just 16 deliveries during the fifth and final T20I against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on December 19, 2025.
A Blistering Innings of Pure Aggression
Coming in to bat at the crucial number five position, Pandya launched an immediate assault on the Proteas bowling attack. His innings caught fire in the 14th over bowled by George Linde, where he ruthlessly smashed 2 sixes and 2 fours, rocketing to 31 runs off a mere 7 balls. There was no letting up in intensity as he approached his half-century.
The landmark moment arrived in the 17th over of the Indian innings. Facing Corbin Bosch, Pandya blasted two more massive sixes and a boundary to race to fifty, sending the Ahmedabad crowd into a frenzy. His knock placed him firmly behind the legendary Yuvraj Singh, who holds the Indian record with a 12-ball fifty against England in the 2007 T20 World Cup in Durban.
A Series of Significant Milestones for the Baroda Star
This whirlwind innings capped off a remarkable series of achievements for Pandya. Just days earlier, in the third T20I in Dharamsala, he had become the third Indian bowler to claim 100 wickets in men's T20Is. He reached the century of wickets by dismissing Tristan Stubbs, joining an elite club with teammates Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.
The all-rounder's return to the Indian team has been nothing short of spectacular. After missing two months of action due to a quadriceps injury sustained during the Asia Cup, Pandya announced his comeback in style in the first T20I in Cuttack. There, he hammered a 28-ball 59 to rescue India from a precarious position and also took a wicket with his very first delivery, sending back David Miller.
Reflecting on his aggressive approach in Ahmedabad, Pandya said, "I had to back my shots. I realised the wicket had a bit of spice. I had to be a bit gutsy. It was more about timing the ball, not breaking the ball. I was very satisfied with the way I was batting." His performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
Fastest Fifties by Indians in T20Is:
- 12 balls – Yuvraj Singh vs England, Durban, 2007
- 16 balls – Hardik Pandya vs South Africa, Ahmedabad, 2025
- 17 balls – Abhishek Sharma vs England, Wankhede, 2025
- 18 balls – KL Rahul vs Scotland, Dubai, 2021
- 18 balls – Suryakumar Yadav vs South Africa, Guwahati, 2022
