Jan Frylinck enters record books with explosive 13-ball half-century
Namibia’s Jan Frylinck blasted a 13-ball fifty against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, equaling the third-fastest half-century in T20I history. Relive his explosive 77 off 31 balls and see where it ranks among the fastest fifties ever.
September 18, 2025, will be remembered for Namibia's Jan Frylinck setting Queens Sports Club on fire with a spectacular innings that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. The left-handed opener launched a 13-ball half-century in the third T20I against Zimbabwe, placing him in elite company amongst the fastest fifties recorded in T20I cricket.
The Knock That Changed the Game
With Namibia 0-2 down in the five-match series, Frylinck walked to the crease looking to provide his side with some impetus. From the first ball he faced, he was in attack mode as he began cutting loose against Zimbabwe’s attack. By the end of the fourth over, he had raised his fifty off 13 balls, consigned to the third fastest fifty in T20I history.
Frylinck's last tally was incredible: 77 runs from 31 balls - 8 fours and 6 sixes- at 248.39. The highlight was when he smashed Trevor Gwandu down the ground in one over, with two sixes and two fours in four balls to get himself to the milestone. He contributed with Louren Steenkamp to 74 runs in just less than 5 overs to get Namibia to 204/7.
The middle order did collapse at the end, but Ruben Trumpelmann's late 46 runs from 24 balls hit Zimbabwe beyond repair. The home team tried but could not recover and Namibia walked away with a much needed consolation victory.
Fastest T20I Fifties (All Opponents)
| Rank | Player (Country) | Balls for 50 | Opponent | Venue & Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dipendra Singh Airee (Nepal) | 9 | Mongolia | Hangzhou, 2023 |
| 2 | Yuvraj Singh (India) | 12 | England | Durban, 2007 |
| 3 | Mirza Ahsan (Austria) | 13 | Luxembourg | Ilfov County, 2019 |
| 3 | Muhammad Fahad (Turkey) | 13 | Bulgaria | Sofia, 2025 |
| 3 | Tadiwanashe Marumani (Zimbabwe) | 13 | Gambia | Nairobi (Ruaraka), 2024 |
| 3 | Jan Frylinck (Namibia) | 13 | Zimbabwe | Bulawayo, 2025 (Today*) |
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Fastest vs Full-Member Teams
| Rank | Player (Country) | Balls for 50 | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yuvraj Singh (India) | 12 | England | 2007 |
| 2 | Jan Frylinck (Namibia) | 13 | Zimbabwe | 2025 |
More Than Just Runs
Frylinck, who was born in South Africa, has developed into one of Namibia's main all-rounders, consistent with the ball, and explosive with the bat. While his fifty from just 13 balls was a spectacular display of scoring runs quickly, it was just as much about showing that associate teams can compete with the established cricketing nations.
For supporters, this causal mind-blowing was a reminder of the life-changing disconnect that brings you back to why T20 cricket is so glorious—an anyone player, on any day can perform wonders that will last a lifetime. Despite it being another milestone for Frylinck, for Namibia it was a statement.
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