In a display of raw power-hitting, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya set the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad ablaze on Friday, December 19, 2025. During the fifth and final T20 International against South Africa, Pandya hammered the second-fastest half-century ever recorded by an Indian batter in T20I history.
Pandya's Explosive Innings: A Ball-by-Ball Assault
Walking in at the number five position, Hardik Pandya announced his intent from the very first delivery, launching a massive six over long-off. He did not relent, turning the match into a personal highlight reel. In a brutal assault, particularly against spinner George Linde and seamer Corbin Bosch, Pandya found the boundary with remarkable ease.
His knock was a perfect blend of brute force and clean striking. Pandya reached the monumental milestone of fifty runs in a mere 16 deliveries. His innings was decorated with four boundaries and five sixes. The all-rounder continued his onslaught, eventually finishing with a spectacular 63 runs off just 25 balls before being dismissed.
Where Pandya Stands in the Record Books
This whirlwind knock places Hardik Pandya in elite company. The only Indian ahead of him is the legendary Yuvraj Singh, who famously scored a 12-ball fifty against England during the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup. Pandya's effort pushes fellow cricketer Abhishek Sharma's 17-ball fifty (scored against England in 2025) down to the third spot on the prestigious list.
The fastest T20I fifties by Indian batters are now:
- Yuvraj Singh: 12 balls vs England (2007)
- Hardik Pandya: 16 balls vs South Africa (2025)
- Abhishek Sharma: 17 balls vs England (2025)
- KL Rahul: 18 balls vs Scotland (2021)
- Suryakumar Yadav: 18 balls vs South Africa (2022)
Partnership and Match Context
Pandya was not alone in his demolition job. He forged a devastating 105-run partnership with Tilak Varma, who himself played a brilliant knock of 73 runs from 42 balls. This combined firepower propelled the Indian team to a formidable total of 231 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 20 overs, setting a daunting target for the South African side.
This innings underscored Hardik Pandya's irreplaceable role as a game-changing finisher for India in the shortest format of the game. His ability to accelerate from the first ball and take the game away from the opposition makes him a vital asset as India builds towards future global tournaments.
