Scoring quick runs is always a crucial factor in modern-day One-Day Internationals. Certain players have a reputation for scoring quick runs at an excellent strike rate, and doing the same in the World Cup brings more reputation to their calibre. However, if the situation demands, especially in the World Cup, many players have shown their hitting capability. So, in this article, we will discuss the 'Top 10 fastest half-centuries in ODI World Cup'.
1. Brendon McCullum
Brendon McCullum, nicknamed Baz, was one of the most destructive players from New Zealand who could easily walk into any all-time team in white ball format. McCullum scored fifty against England in the 2015 World Cup in just 18 balls. In his 25-ball knock, McCullum scored 77 runs, smashing eight boundaries and seven massive sixes. Notably, he also scored half-centuries in 20, 21 & 22 balls.
2. Angelo Mathews
Angelo Mathews was a Sri Lankan all-rounder who had the highest potential, with his performance in the lower order giving much more than enough support to his team. Mathews scored 50 off just twenty balls against Scotland. During the 2015 World Cup, in a match against Scotland, Mathews hammered one boundary and hit six mighty sixes off his fifty-one runs made from twenty-one balls.
3. Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell, nicknamed or popularly called Big Show, is currently the best Australian all-rounder, with his batting in the lower order contributing significantly to the team. Maxwell scored 50 off just 21 balls against Afghanistan. During the 2015 World Cup, in a match against Afghanistan, Maxwell hammered six boundaries and hit seven mighty sixes off his 88 runs made from 39 balls.
4. Mark Boucher
Mark Boucher, who is mostly known for forcing his retirement after bail hit his eyes, was always a significant batter for South Africa whose batting in the lower order contributed significantly to the team. Boucher scored 50 off just 21 balls against the Netherlands. During the 2007 World Cup, in a match against the Netherlands, Boucher hammered nine boundaries and hit four mighty sixes off his 75 runs made from 31 balls.
5. Kusal Perera
Kusal Perera, whose batting seems similar to his idol Jayasuriya, is a significant batter for Sri Lanka whose wicket-keeping also contributed significantly to the team. Perera scored 50 off just 22 balls against New Zealand. During the 2023 World Cup, in a match against New Zealand, Perera hammered nine boundaries and hit two mighty sixes off his 51 runs made from 28 balls.
6. Dinesh Chandimal
Dinesh Chandimal was a significant batter for Sri Lanka whose wicket-keeping also contributed significantly to the team. Chandimal scored 50 off just 22 balls against Australia. During the 2015 World Cup, in a match against Australia, Chandimal hammered eight boundaries and hit a monstrous six off his 52 runs made from 24 balls.
7. Kieron Pollard
Kieron Pollard was a significant all-rounder for West Indies whose finishing touches also contributed significantly to the team. Pollard scored 50 off just 23 balls against the Netherlands. During the 2011 World Cup, in a match against the Netherlands, Pollard hammered five boundaries and hit four monstrous sixes off his 60 runs made from 27 balls.
8. John Davison
John Davison was a significant all-rounder for Canada whose performance in every department also contributed significantly to the team. Davison scored 50 off just 23 balls against New Zealand. During the 2007 World Cup, in a match against New Zealand, Davison hammered nine boundaries and hit a monstrous six off his 52 runs made from 31 balls.
9. Brian Lara
Brian Lara was a significant batter for West Indies whose performance in the batting department contributed significantly to the team. Lara scored 50 off just 23 balls against Canada. During the 2007 World Cup, in a match against Canada, Lara hammered eight boundaries and hit five monstrous sixes off his 73 runs made from 40 balls.
10. Kevin O’Brien
Kevin O'Brien is a significant all-rounder for Ireland whose performance in the batting department contributed significantly to the team. Kevin O'Brien scored 50 off just 24 balls against UAE. During the 2015 World Cup, in a match against UAE, O'Brien hammered eight boundaries and hit two monstrous sixes off his 50 runs made from 25 balls.
