T20 is the most entertaining and unpredictable format of cricket. Batters usually play at a strike rate of 140 to 150, and any ball can change the match in this format. When any batsman scores a century in T20, it has to be at the strike rate of 135 to 150. But many players have scored half-centuries below the strike rate of 100. So, here's a list of the top ten slowest fifties in T20 Internationals.
1. Ryan Watson (54 Balls)
Ryan Watson is a former right-handed batsman from Scotland. He has a record of scoring the slowest half-century in a T20 international. In an ICC T20 Qualifier match against Kenya, Ryan Watson completed his half-century in 54 balls. In this match, Kenya won the toss and chose to bat first, and they set a target of 107. Scotland's team had the time, and Ryan Watson steadily scored runs. He played an innings of 54 runs in 61 balls. Scotland won this match by nine wickets, and Ryan Watson got the man of the game.
2. Gautam Gambhir (54 Balls)
It was the second T20 match played between India and Australia in 2012. Australia won the toss and decided to bat first and set a target of 132 runs. When India came to bat, Gautam Gambhir played an anchor innings, and other batters played aggressively. In this match, Gautam Gambhir completed his half-century in 54 balls, one of the slowest fifties in T20 internationals. In this innings, Gautam Gambhir remained not out by scoring 56 off 60 balls at a strike rate of 93.
3. Shoaib Khan (53 Balls)
Shoaib Khan is a former left-handed batsman from Pakistan. In 2008, he scored one of the slowest half-centuries in T20 internationals. Pakistan played this match against Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bat first. They set a target of 108 for Pakistan. Like Gautam Gambhir, Shoaib Khan also decided to play an anchor role for his team. Shoaib Khan scored his half-century in 53 balls, Pakistan's slowest T20 international half-century. However, Pakistan won the match by seven wickets.
4. Angelo Mathews (50 Balls)
Angelo Mathews is one of the most popular cricketers from Sri Lanka. He has played a crucial role in the Sri Lankan team for many years. But in a match against South Africa, Angelo Mathews scored one of the slowest fifties in T20 internationals. In this match, South Africa decided to bat first and set a target of 114 for Sri Lanka. In this match, Angelo Mathews had the time to score runs and completed his fifty in 50 balls. Ultimately, Sri Lanka won the game by three wickets, and Angelo Mathews became the man of the match.
5. Dwayne Bravo (50 Balls)
West Indies cricket is always known for its fearless and dangerous batting style. But in 2016, Dwayne Bravo scored the slowest half-century for West Indies. West Indies played this match against Pakistan in which Pakistan won the toss and decided to bowl first. Because of slow wickets, West Indies were losing their wickets. But Dwayne Bravo played an anchor inning, completing his fifty in 50 balls. In the end, Pakistan easily won the match by nine wickets.
6. Martin Guptill (50 Balls)
Martin Guptill is one of the most aggressive and attacking batsmen in New Zealand. He is one of the best batsmen in T20 as Martin Guptill is the highest run scorer for New Zealand in T20 internationals. In 2013, New Zealand toured England. In 3rd T20, England decided to bowl first, in which Martin Guptill played the slowest T20 inning of his career. Guptill completed his half-century in 50 balls in this match and scored 59 off 55. New Zealand set a target of 140, and England quickly chased it without losing wickets.
7. JP Duminy (49 Balls)
In 2013, South Africa toured Sri Lanka, and in 1st T20 match, JP Duminy scored one of the slowest half-centuries in T20 internationals. South Africa won the toss in this match and decided to bat first. After losing three wickets, JP Duminy controlled the innings and completed his half-century in 49 balls. With JP Duminy's 51 off 52 balls, South Africa set a target of 116 runs. In the end, South Africa won the match by 12 runs, and JP Duminy was the man of the game.
8. Devon Smith (49 Balls)
This was the first T20 World Cup played in 2007, and Devon Smith scored one of the slowest in the T20 World Cup. West Indies played this match against Bangladesh. Bangladesh won the toss and decided to bowl first. From the West Indies, Devon Smith came to bat as an opener. Devon Smith anchored the innings and scored 51 off 52 balls. He completed his half-century in 49 balls. With Devon Smith's contribution, West Indies set a target of 165, and Bangladesh won the match by six wickets.
9. David Hussey (49 Balls)
David Hussey is a former right-handed batsman from Australia. He played this innings in the 2010 World Cup final. Australia played the last match against England. England won the toss and chose to field first. After losing the initial four wickets, David Hussey stayed on the crease and tried to set a respectable target. He scored 59 off 54 balls, completing his half-century in 49 balls. Australia set a target of 148, and England quickly chased the target.
10. Hamilton Masakadza (48 Balls)
In 2013, Zimbabwe toured the West Indies. In the 2nd T20 match, West Indies won the toss and decided to bat first. West Indies set a target of 159 for Zimbabwe. After losing two wickets, Zimbabwe Batsman Hamilton Masakadza tried to chase the target. He scored 53 runs off 51 balls, and Hamilton Masakadza completed his fifty in 48 balls. In the end, West Indies won the match by 41 runs.
