In the dynamic world of One Day Internationals (ODIs), speed is crucial when it comes to runs. The fastest fifties are among the most exciting achievements in the game. Reaching a fifty in record time is incredibly demoralizing for the opposition, and enthusiasm is contagious when the batting side is showing speed. Scoring the ball in national conditions requires courage and intent, impeccable timing, and, of course, complete confidence.

Throughout the years, there have been many players, and a select few have achieved incredible striking speeds, managing to grab a place in the history books by completing half-centuries in no time. These players certainly bring a new level of scratch to the way we play ODIs in the modern era. Here are the top six fastest fifties in ODI history; each time the batsman surprised the cricketing world with their powerful hitting.

AB de Villiers – 16 Balls vs West Indies, 2015

South African batter AB de Villiers is also the holder of the record for the fastest ODI fifty, scored in just 16 balls. What made this resulting innings so iconic was the fact it came against the West Indies in Johannesburg and the relentless pace of his innings. In some few short minutes he plundered 8 sixes and 4 fours, taking on the West Indies bowlers erratically.

De Villiers' pyrotechnics, along with trembling heart rates, made for a performance that we will remember for years to come. He managed to score 149 off 44 balls, with 31 of those balls being the fastest ODI hundred. It is not an understatement to say this is considered one of the greatest ever exhibitions of batting within the ODI format.

Matthew Forde—16 Balls vs Ireland, 2025

On May 23, 2025, West Indies all-rounder Matthew Forde shocked the cricketing world with a stunning 16-ball fifty against Ireland at Castle Avenue, Dublin. Coming in at number eight, Forde went on a rampage, scoring 58 off just 19 balls, which included two fours and eight sixes, all the while equaling AB de Villiers' record for the fastest ODI fifty. His late strike pushed West Indies to 352/8. Forde's explosive batting changed the game and showed his ability to transform it in a matter of minutes. This knock was his entry on the global stage, and he arrived in style.

Sanath Jayasuriya—17 Balls vs Pakistan, 1996

You would have to go as far back as Sri Lankan opener Sanath Jayasuriya to observe batting of that nature in quite possibly ODI cricket history. Jayasuriya was known for swinging hard and hitting for distance. During this innings against Pakistan, we saw 17 balls hammered for 5 fours and 3 sixes in Singapore. By any measure, the degree of aggressive batting in the early overs was unheard of in 1996, which is why Jayasuriya is known as a pioneer of this style of batting.

His power and sentiment helped dictate the future successful batting performances of Sri Lanka throughout the mid-90s era. Jayasuriya's innings and attitude at the top of this batting also helped shape the way ODIs were played in the future and changed batting. His style of aggressive batting has shaped how younger generations have also played.

Also Read: IRE vs WI: West Indies’ Matthew Forde smashes joint-fastest fifty in ODI history

Kusal Perera – 17 Balls vs Bangladesh, 2014

Kusal Perera, another dynamic left-handed Sri Lankan batsman, achieved a record of his own by equalling Jayasuriya's feat of also scoring a fifty in 17 balls vs. Bangladesh. Opening the innings, Kusal operated from his first ball and put pressure on the bowlers. Kusal struck 9 fours and 1 six in explosive innings. This inning further confirmed his dominance early in the innings and set up the Sri Lankans in what was a big win that day.

He has often received comparisons in the past two due to each of their fearless approaches to the game. Kusal has also continued his dominance early in the innings for Sri Lankan cricket, where he continues to be a big player for the limited-overs format.

Liam Livingstone—17 Balls v Netherlands, 2022

England's Liam Livingstone joined this elite group by scoring a fifty in 17 balls against the Netherlands in 2022, hitting the ball with power and confidence all around the wicket, indulging in all forms of explosive power-hitting. Livingstone's innings included 6 sixes to show an incredible amount of strength and timing, as the wickets made no difference.

His innings allowed England to reach a world record ODI score of 498 runs. Unsurprisingly, Livingstone is known for his fearless approach to the game and personifies the more dynamic and aggressive format that England has moved towards in recent years. I thought his fast fifty was a great example of the aggressive attitude modern-day cricket demands.