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Hardik Pandya celebrates Ahmedabad homecoming with 2nd fastest fifty for India in T20Is

Debashis Sarangi

Hardik Pandya in action [Source: AFP]Hardik Pandya in action [Source: AFP]

In a remarkable achievement, veteran Indian allrounder Hardik Pandya smashed the second fastest fifty for India in T20 Internationals. The experienced campaigner attained the phenomenal landmark in the ongoing fifth T20I between India and South Africa at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. 

Fastest T20I fifties for India: Pandya nearly misses Yuvraj's record

Hardik Pandya used to lead Gujarat Titans in the IPL until he shifted his base to Mumbai Indians. So, Ahmedabad served as his IPL home for quite some time before returning to his first-ever IPL franchise. 

Thus, the T20I game between India and South Africa was nothing short of a homecoming for the talismanic cricketer, who made the most of the familiar conditions with scintillating hitting. 

Considering Ahmedabad is a tough ground to defend totals, Pandya adopted an aggressive approach right from the beginning. He took on South African spinner George Linde and eventually brought up a 16-ball half-century, registering the second-fastest fifty by an Indian in T20Is. 

Fastest fifties for India 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 (DSC), 2021
  • 18 balls – Suryakumar Yadav vs South Africa, Guwahati, 2022

Yuvraj Singh scripted history when he smashed six consecutive sixes en route to a 12-ball fifty against England in the inaugural T20 World Cup edition. Pandya attained the milestone in just 16 deliveries, claiming the second position on the list that also comprises Abhishek Sharma, KL Rahul and India's current T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav. 

Hardik Pandya's blistering knock ensured India posted a daunting score after being invited to bat first. Riding on Pandya and Tilak's stunning fifties and impactful cameos from Samson and Abhishek powered India to 231 for five in 20 overs.