Mark Chapman breaks into the elite NZ list after 19-ball fifty against WI in Auckland

Soumyajit Dutta

Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman and Colin Munro [Source: @amhjot_kaur/X.com]Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman and Colin Munro [Source: @amhjot_kaur/X.com]

In the second T20I between New Zealand and West Indies, Mark Chapman blasted his way into an elite group of Kiwi power hitters. His blistering 19-ball fifty in Auckland not only guided New Zealand to a thrilling victory but also etched his name among the fastest half-century makers in the nation’s T20I history. 

From calm precision to chaotic brilliance, New Zealand batters have consistently dominated the shortest format with their breathtaking displays of rapid scoring. Here’s a look at the players who have led this list with the fastest fifties for New Zealand in T20I cricket.

3) Mark Chapman, Martin Guptill and Glenn Phillips - 19 balls

To start off the list, Mark Chapman, Martin Guptill, and Glenn Phillips, three of New Zealand’s most explosive batters, have all made their mark by smashing a 19-ball fifty in T20Is.

Beginning with Chapman, the 31-year-old scored a blistering 78 off just 28 balls, including a 19-ball fifty, to script a massive total for New Zealand in the second T20I against West Indies on November 6. His innings was laced with six boundaries and seven sixes, striking at an impressive rate of 278.57. His heroics helped New Zealand post a total of over 200 runs, leading the Kiwis to victory.

During a New Zealand tri-series, Glenn Phillips also recorded a 19-ball fifty, scoring 60 runs from 24 balls against Bangladesh in October 2022. He struck at a rate of 250, smashing five sixes and two fours in his innings.

Martin Guptill has achieved a 19-ball fifty on two occasions, in 2016 and 2019. Against Sri Lanka in January 2016, Guptill hammered 63 off 25 balls at a strike rate of 252, hitting five sixes and six fours. Later, against England in November 2019 at Auckland, he once again reached his fifty in 19 balls, finishing with 50 runs off 20 deliveries at a strike rate of 250.

2) Finn Allen - 18 balls

Finn Allen nearly produced a whirlwind knock during Bangladesh’s tour of New Zealand in April 2021. The right-handed batter tore through the Bangladesh bowling attack, scoring a rapid 18-ball fifty on his way to 71 runs off just 29 deliveries. His explosive innings included 10 boundaries and three sixes, struck at an impressive rate of 244.82.

Although he was eventually dismissed by Taskin Ahmed, the slow and sluggish Auckland pitch offered little help to Bangladesh. The visitors faltered badly in their chase of New Zealand’s 142-run target, getting bundled out for just 76 runs.

1) Colin Munro - 14 balls

Colin Munro, one of New Zealand’s most renowned big hitters, holds the record for the fastest fifty in T20I cricket for the Black Caps. The powerful left-hander achieved the feat in 2016 against Sri Lanka, smashing a 14-ball half-century while chasing a target of 143. 

Munro remained unbeaten alongside captain Kane Williamson to finish the game. During his explosive knock, Munro struck seven towering sixes and one boundary, scoring at a blistering strike rate of 357.14 against the Sri Lankan bowlers in Auckland.