Over the last decade, the women’s game has witnessed a revolution in power-hitting, with records being broken and rewritten in the T20I format. Explosive batting performances have enthralled fans, and the list of players with the fastest half-centuries highlights the evolution of the sport. Let’s take a closer look at the fastest 50s in Women’s T20I cricket, measured by balls faced.
1. Sophie Devine (New Zealand) – 18 Balls vs India, 2015
The record for the fastest fifty in Women’s T20Is was first set by New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine in 2015. Facing India in the first T20I of a three-match series at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore, Devine delivered a blistering performance.
Chasing a modest target of 126, Devine smashed her fifty in just 18 balls. Her innings of 70 off 22 balls included five boundaries and eight sixes, and she was eventually dismissed by Rajeshwari Gayakwad in the sixth over. New Zealand cruised to victory with eight wickets in hand and 45 balls to spare, with Devine’s knock earning her the Player of the Match award.
2. Phoebe Litchfield (Australia) – 18 Balls vs West Indies, 2023
In October 2023, Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield equaled Sophie Devine’s record with an 18-ball half-century against West Indies at North Sydney Oval.
Litchfield, batting in the second T20I of the series, scored an unbeaten 52 off just 19 balls, featuring three boundaries and five sixes. Her innings powered Australia to a massive 212/6. Despite her heroic effort, the match belonged to West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews, whose incredible 132 off 64 balls led her team to a seven-wicket victory.
3. Richa Ghosh (India) – 18 Balls vs West Indies, 2024
India’s Richa Ghosh joined the elite list with a scintillating 18-ball fifty against West Indies in December 2024 at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.
In the series decider, Ghosh walked in during the death overs and unleashed her aggressive batting, smashing 54 off 21 balls. Her knock included three boundaries and five sixes, propelling India to a record total of 217/4—their highest in T20I history. Ghosh’s half-century equaled the record for the fastest in Women’s T20Is and played a pivotal role in India’s series victory.
🚨 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐃 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓 🚨
Richa Ghosh equals Sophie Devine’s and Phoebe Litchfield’s record with her 18 ball half-century tonight 🔥#CricketTwitter #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/zZGKcyeYWs
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) December 19, 2024
4. Nida Dar (Pakistan) – 20 Balls vs South Africa, 2019
In May 2019, Pakistan all-rounder Nida Dar etched her name in history with a blazing 20-ball fifty against South Africa in the fourth T20I at Willowmoore Park, Benoni.
Batting first, Dar smashed 75 off 37 balls, hitting the South African bowlers all around the park. Her innings helped Pakistan post 172/5, but Lizelle Lee’s half-century (60 off 31 balls) steered South Africa to a narrow four-wicket victory with five balls to spare.
5. Anya Vaidya (Sweden) – 20 Balls vs Malta, 2024
Anya Vaidya, a 17-year-old Swedish all-rounder, delivered a remarkable performance in a Tri-series match against Malta in September 2024.
Chasing a modest target of 96 in the third-place play-off, Vaidya smashed an unbeaten 69 off 28 balls, reaching her fifty in just 20 deliveries. Her knock included a flurry of boundaries and ensured Sweden’s nine-wicket victory with 72 balls to spare.
Top 5: Fastest Half-Centuries in Women’s T20Is
| Player | Balls Faced | Opponent | Year | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sophie Devine | 18 | India | 2015 | 70 (22), 5×4, 8×6 |
| Phoebe Litchfield | 18 | West Indies | 2023 | 52* (19), 3×4, 5×6 |
| Richa Ghosh | 18 | West Indies | 2024 | 54 (21), 3×4, 5×6 |
| Nida Dar | 20 | South Africa | 2019 | 75 (37), 8×4, 3×6 |
| Anya Vaidya | 20 | Malta | 2024 | 69* (28), Multiple 4s/6s |
Conclusion
The evolution of Women’s T20I cricket has brought an era of fearless batting and power-hitting. Players like Sophie Devine, Phoebe Litchfield, and Richa Ghosh continue to redefine the standards of aggressive batting, making the format increasingly thrilling for fans worldwide. As these records inspire the next generation of cricketers, the race for the fastest fifty will undoubtedly get even more exciting.
FAQs
1. Who holds the record for the fastest fifty in Women’s T20Is?
The record for the fastest fifty in Women’s T20Is is shared by Sophie Devine (New Zealand), Phoebe Litchfield (Australia), and Richa Ghosh (India), all achieving the milestone in just 18 balls.
2. Who is the youngest player to hit one of the fastest fifties?
Anya Vaidya, a 17-year-old Swedish all-rounder, achieved her 20-ball fifty against Malta in 2024.
3. What was India’s highest T20I total, and who contributed?
India’s highest T20I total is 217/4, achieved against West Indies in 2024. Contributions included Smriti Mandhana’s 77 and Richa Ghosh’s 54 off 21 balls.
4. Has any player hit two of the fastest fifties in Women’s T20Is?
Yes, Smriti Mandhana has two appearances on the list, with 23- and 24-ball fifties against England and New Zealand, respectively.
5. How significant is Richa Ghosh’s 18-ball fifty?
Richa Ghosh’s 18-ball fifty not only equaled the record for the fastest in Women’s T20Is but also helped India achieve their highest-ever T20I total.
(Data Source: hypocaust / x)
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