Pankaj Jaiswal Blasts 2nd Fastest Fifty in Indian First-Class History
Oct 17, 2017 at 5:50 PM
In what came as a surprise to the Indian domestic circuit, Himachal Pradesh fast bowler Pankaj Jaiswal blasted the 2nd fastest fifty in the history of Indian first-class cricket when he went hammers and tongs to reach a quickfire half-century of a mere 16 deliveries. It was the 3rd day of the Group D Ranji Trophy clash between Himachal and Goa at Dharamsala. The 22-year-old youngster eventually scored 63 of just 20 deliveries, an innings which was laced with four fours and seven hits over the fence.
The record of the fastest fifty in Indian first-class circuit is held by Bandeep Singh of Jammu & Kashmir when he struck a half-century of a mere 15 deliveries during a Ranji game against Tripura in 2015. Jaiswal came out to bat at No.9 when Himachal Pradesh was comfortably placed on 541/7. The whirlwind knock left the Goa players scratching their head in disgust.
Goa after batting first just managed to score 255 in their 1st essay and in response Himachal Pradesh eventually declared their innings on 625 getting a massive lead of 370 runs. Himachal openers Priyanshu Khanduri and Ankush Bains scored centuries while Nikhil Gangta also achieved the feat. Jaiswal’s late impetus took Himachal over the 600 mark as he eventually remained unbeaten on 63 of just 20 deliveries.
Out of favour Indian batsman, Yuvraj Singh holds the record for the fastest fifty in competitive cricket when he struck 12 balls 50 against England during the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa way back in 2007. The southpaw also struck Stuart Broad for six consecutive sixes; a feat achieved only twice in international cricket.
While the record for the fastest half-century in ODI’s is held by AB de Villiers of 16 deliveries, former Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq holds the record for the fastest half-century in Tests of just 21 balls.