Five Fastest Fifties in ODI Debut

Debuting in ODI cricket is a significant milestone for any cricketer as it signifies their entry into the international arena and the opportunity to compete against other top-level teams. It is often a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and consistent performances at the domestic or junior levels. The exact process of selection varies from country to country, but it typically involves a combination of performance at the domestic level, selection trials, and the discretion of the national selectors.

Making a debut for the national team, wearing the team’s jersey, is one of the proudest moments for any player in the world. ODI is a crucial format in international cricket, and it requires special talent to be a part of it. In this article, we have compiled a list of such cricketers who scored a half-century in their first match at an astonishing pace.

Luke Wright – 38 Balls

Luke Wright was known for his aggressive style of batting, his capability of hitting big shots and playing useful cameos in the limited-overs formats. He was one of the most valuable all-rounders for England who provided balance to the team with his batting and bowling abilities. During his ODI debut in 2007 against India, Wright was on fire and blasted a half-century in 50 balls. His innings included 7 boundaries and one maximum. Wright, at a very early stage of his career, showcased his aggression on the field with his bat.

John Morris – 36 Balls

John Morris’s contributions to English cricket, both at the international and domestic levels, have left a mark on the game. He was known for his solid batting technique and his ability to contribute to the ball when required. During the 1990s Benson and Hedges, while facing New Zealand at the Adelaide Oval, John Morris made his debut and came in at number four to bat. He stunned the Kiwi bowlers and started scoring runs in every corner of the field. Morris completed his half-century in just 36 balls and scored 63 runs overall in 45 balls.

Ishan Kishan – 33 Balls

Ishan Kishan is an upcoming talent, and he has already made headlines with his international performances. Known for his attacking stroke play and ability to clear the boundaries, Ishan Kishan has established himself as an exciting young talent in Indian cricket. In 2021, Ishan Kishan made his debut for Team India against Sri Lanka in the ODI format and scored his first half-century in 33 balls. With the help of 8 fours and 2 sixes, Ishan announced his arrival in international cricket.

Krunal Pandya – 26 Balls

Team India had high hopes for Hardik’s brother Krunal Pandya when he made his debut. As expected, the ODI debut was great, but eventually, his form declined, and now he is nowhere near making a comeback to international cricket. During his debut in March 2021, after three years of T20 debut, while playing against England at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, Krunal scored a half-century in just 26 balls. Eventually, due to his injuries and declining form, Pandya lost his chance to make a comeback to the senior team.

Alick Athanaze – 26 Balls

Alick Athanaze has been the recent addition to the list from the West Indies. After the retirement of some legendary names from West Indies cricket, the team has witnessed a major dip in their performance in international cricket. However, Alick Athanaze has come out as a new hope as he scored a 26-ball fifty while playing against UAE at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Overall, Alick was able to score 65 runs in 45 balls and helped West Indies secure a comfortable win against the hosts UAE.