Test cricket is typically seen as a patient, strategic game, but it has seen its share of blazing innings. In 2016, Brendon McCullum made headlines with the fastest Test century ever, scoring 100 off just 54 balls against Australia. However, the record for the quickest fifty in Test cricket goes to Misbah-ul-Haq, who took just 21 balls to reach the milestone against Australia in 2014. Below is a list of the fastest 50 in test cricket history.
Fastest 50 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 | Yousuf Youhana | 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 | Rishab Pant | India v Sri Lanka | Bengaluru | 2022 |
Misbah-ul-Haq – 21 balls
Misbah-ul-Haq holds the record for the fastest 50 in Test cricket, having reached the mark in just 21 balls during a 2014 match against Australia in Abu Dhabi. Captaining Pakistan, Misbah made this fifty at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium and later went on to complete a century in 56 balls.
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In that inning, Misbah hit his second hundred of the match. His half-century came in just 23 minutes, and he added 51 more runs in 34 balls to finish his century. His knock featured five sixes and 11 boundaries. Misbah retired in 2017 with 5,222 Test runs at an average of 46.62. One of his crowning achievements as captain was leading Pakistan to victory in the 2012 Asia Cup.
David Warner – 23 balls
Australia’s David Warner ranks second for the fastest 50 in Test cricket, having reached the milestone in 23 balls against Pakistan in Sydney in 2017. Known for his attacking style, Warner went on to score 55 off 27 balls with eight fours and three sixes before Wahab Riaz dismissed him.
Warner, who also served as Australia’s Test vice-captain, retired earlier this year with 8,786 runs at an average of 44.59. His final Test match was in January 2024, and he retired from all forms of international cricket by June 2024.
Jacques Kallis – 24 balls
Jacques Kallis, one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders, delivered a rapid fifty off just 24 balls against Zimbabwe in Cape Town in 2005. South Africa was already well ahead in the match when Kallis came to bat, allowing him the freedom to play aggressively. He did not disappoint, unleashing a flurry of powerful strokes.
Kallis is the only player to have amassed more than 10,000 runs and taken over 250 wickets in both ODIs and Tests. He retired from international cricket in 2014.
Ben Stokes – 24 balls
England captain Ben Stokes broke Ian Botham’s 43-year-old record for the fastest 50 in test cricket by an Englishman in 2024. Stokes achieved the feat in just 24 balls during a 10-wicket win over the West Indies in Birmingham. His 57 off 28 deliveries helped England secure the victory with a six off Kraigg Brathwaite.
Shane Shillingford – 25 balls
Shane Shillingford, a West Indian bowler, surprised everyone by scoring an unbeaten 53 off 29 balls against New Zealand in 2014. His fifty came off 25 balls, making him the fastest scorer for the West Indies. Despite his efforts, New Zealand won the match by 186 runs. His 53 remains the highest score by a No. 11 batsman in the fourth innings of a Test match.
Shahid Afridi – 26 balls
Shahid Afridi smashed a fifty off 26 balls against India in Bangalore in 2005. His 58 off 34 balls helped Pakistan post a first-innings total of 570. Afridi also contributed with the ball, taking three wickets and helping Pakistan secure a famous win.
Mohammad Ashraful – 26 balls
Bangladesh’s Mohammad Ashraful delivered an aggressive fifty off 26 balls against India in 2007. His innings featured multiple boundaries, including three fours in one over off Zaheer Khan. However, Ashraful’s career was cut short when he was banned in 2014 for match-fixing.
Dale Steyn – 26 balls
Legendary South African fast bowler Dale Steyn also features on this list, with a 26-ball fifty against the West Indies in 2014. Steyn smashed 58 off 28 balls, including six fours and five sixes. He retired from Test cricket in 2019, having taken the most wickets for South Africa.
Mohammad Yousuf – 27 balls
Mohammad Yousuf scored a quick fifty off 27 balls against South Africa in Cape Town in 2003. Yousuf is known for his 2006 record of scoring 1,788 Test runs in a calendar year. He retired with 7,530 Test runs at an average of 52.
Foffie Williams – 28 balls
West Indian cricketer Foffie Williams scored a whirlwind fifty off 28 balls in 1948. Although mainly known for his fast bowling, his explosive innings in Bridgetown remain a highlight of his career.
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