Top 5 fastest fifty by an Indian in Men's T20Is vs Pakistan ft. Abhishek Sharma

The rivalry between India and Pakistan in T20I has provided many thrilling moments, as batters from either side have delivered under pressure. For India, many Indian stars made their names when they smashed quickly made fifty against their old rivals.

In the latest instance, Abhishek Sharma entertained fans in the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 match by scoring the fastest fifty by an Indian against Pakistan in T20Is. His blitz of 24 balls helped India win the contest easily, in addition to breaking an old record.

Let’s now review the top five fifties scored by Indian men in T20Is against Pakistan.

5. Gautam Gambhir – 38 balls (2007 T20 World Cup Final, Johannesburg)

In the memorable 2007 T20 World Cup Final, Gautam Gambhir amassed a brilliant, gritty innings of 75 off 54 balls. As the opening batsman, he got to his fifty in just 38 balls vs the quality of the Pakistani bowlers.

Gambhir's innings, which included eight boundaries and two sixes, helped India get to 157 for 5. India would go on to scare the fans with a nervy finish, ultimately winning the first-ever T20 World Cup.

4. Virat Kohli – 36 balls (2022 Asia Cup, Dubai)

In the 2022 Asia Cup clash in Dubai against Pakistan, Virat Kohli showcased his class scoring a fluent 60 off 44 balls. He went to the fifty mark in 36 balls with a terrific six off Mohammad Hasnain.

Despite Kohli's brilliant innings, Pakistan chased down the target but his composure and timing throughout the innings caught everyone's attention.

3. Virat Kohli – 34 balls (2016 T20 World Cup, Kolkata)

In 2016 at Eden Gardens, Kohli once again showcased his run-chase mastery, scoring an unbeaten 55 off 37 balls leading India to a six-wicket win chasing 119.

Kohli got to his half-century in just 34 balls, mixing in elegant drives with a controlled aggression. Kohli was named Player of the Match, which only adds to his, now formidable, list of performances against Pakistan in big matches.

ALSO SEE: ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 tickets: Know where and how to buy

2. Yuvraj Singh – 29 balls (2012, Ahmedabad T20I)

For a significant period, Yuvraj Singh had the record for India's fastest fifty against Pakistan in T20 internationals. He displayed his trademark hard-hitting style with a score of 72 runs off 36 balls during the opening game of the T20I series held in Ahmedabad in 2012, which consisted of four fours and seven sixes.

He reached the fifty mark after 29 balls with a six off Sohail Tanvir. Yuvraj's innings completely flipped the match in India's favour and, appropriately, he was awarded the Player of the Match title.

1. Abhishek Sharma – 24 balls (2025 Asia Cup, Dubai)

The most recent entry at number one on the list belongs to Abhishek Sharma. In the Super 4 match of the Asia Cup 2025 held in Dubai, the young opening batsman unleashed havoc on the Pakistan bowling attack scoring 74 runs off 39 balls.

He reached his fifty in just 24 balls, which was 5 balls quicker than Yuvraj Singh's record hit 13 years prior. He brought up the half-century with a boundary off Saim Ayub, scoring at just under 190 for the innings.

India proved to be far too strong for Pakistan, scoring the 172 required to win in just 18.5 overs, with Abhishek Sharma rightly regarded as the Player of the Match for his courage and adventurous innings.

Abhishek Sharma now has his name alongside Kohli, Yuvraj, and Gambhir as one of the Indians to record the fastest T20I fifties against Pakistan

From Gambhir’s fifty in the 2007 World Cup final, when he made batting look easy amid the pressure of a World Cup, to Abhishek’s recent blitz at Hokar, Indian batters have performed well under pressure in important games against Pakistan. Each innings entertains fans and carries the weight of pressure and hype as we witness this timeless rivalry. 

With the emergence of players like Abhishek Sharma, along with the greats in Yuvraj Singh and Virat Kohli, the future of Indian batting against Pakistan looks more exciting than it has in a long time.