Top 11 Slowest Fifties in T20Is History (2025 Ranked!)

Cricket’s shortest and most explosive format, T20 International (T20I) is known for its fast scoring and strike rate. Fans expect batsmen to run after every ball, with half-centuries coming in just 15-25 balls. However, there have been innings where batsmen have reached half-centuries on challenging match pitches.

While we often celebrate quick half-centuries like Yuvraj’s 12-ball storm or Gayle’s fireworks, it’s time to explore the other side of the story. Let’s look at the top 11 slowest half-centuries in T20 International history (ranked till 2025).

1. Ryan Watson (Scotland): 54 Balls Against Kenya (ICC Qualifier, 2007)

The record for the slowest half-century in T20I history belongs to Scotland’s Ryan Watson. During the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier match against Kenya, Watson took 54 balls to reach his half-century. Kenya had set a modest target of 107 runs. With such a small score, Scotland did not need fireworks. Watson played the role of an anchor perfectly, scoring 54 runs off 61 balls to avoid any obstacles. Scotland won the match comfortably, and Watson was declared the Player of the Match.

2. Gautam Gambhir (India): 54 Balls Against Australia (2012)

One of India’s quietest openers, Gautam Gambhir, is second on this list. During the second T20 against Australia in Sydney (2012), Gambhir scored the slowest half-century in a T20 International, completing it in 54 balls. Gambhir played the role of a sheet anchor while others batted aggressively around him. He remained unbeaten on 56 off 60 balls, enabling India to mount a successful chase. Although not his most entertaining innings, it was a display of classic serious power.

3. Shoaib Khan (Pakistan): 53 Balls Against Zimbabwe (2008)

In 2008, Shoaib Khan made headlines not for his explosive hitting, but for his devastating innings. Against Zimbabwe, he took 53 balls to reach his fifty. Chasing a small target of 108, Pakistan were determined to bide their time to ensure their team did not collapse. His patient innings led Pakistan to a seven-wicket victory. This was Pakistan’s slowest T20I fifty ever, an innings played more for the win than for entertainment.

4. Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan): 52 Balls Against Canada (T20 World Cup 2024)

Known for his consistency and composure, Rizwan shocked fans with his unusually slow innings against Canada in the 2024 T20 World Cup. In a must-win group match, Rizwan hit his fifty off 52 balls. The slow innings was heavily criticised as Pakistan struggled to build momentum and reached a modest total. Rizwan’s approach sparked debates about strike-rate management in modern T20 cricket.

5. Angelo Mathews (Sri Lanka): 50 Balls Against South Africa (2013)

All-rounder Angelo Mathews scored the slowest half-century in a T20I played by Sri Lanka against South Africa in 2013. Chasing 114, Sri Lanka lost wickets early and Mathews sealed their victory. He scored his half-century in 50 balls and remained unbeaten to guide his team to victory. Although slow, this innings showed Mathews’ leadership maturity and understanding of match conditions.

Check Also: Top 13 Slowest Fifties in Test Cricket History

6. Dwayne Bravo (West Indies): 50 Balls Vs Pakistan (2016)

Caribbean cricketers are known for their flamboyance, but even the best entertainers can have their day. In 2016, Dwayne Bravo scored a slow half-century in 50 balls against Pakistan. On a slow wicket, Bravo struggled to find a rhythm. Despite his best efforts, West Indies could only manage a below-average score, which Pakistan chased down with ease. It was a rare sight to see Bravo playing such a cautious innings.

7. Martin Guptill (New Zealand): 50 Balls Vs England (2013)

One of New Zealand’s most explosive openers, Martin Guptill, is surprisingly here too. In a T20I against England in 2013, Guptill hit a

fifty off 50 balls. Guptill scored 59 runs off 55 balls as he tried to strengthen New Zealand’s innings on a slow pitch. Despite his struggles, England comfortably chased down New Zealand’s target, making this innings one of Guptill’s slowest ever.

8. JP Duminy (South Africa): 49 Balls Against Sri Lanka (2013)

The same year, JP Duminy scored a half-century in 49 balls against Sri Lanka. Batting first, South Africa lost their opening wicket and Duminy had to bat again. He scored 51 runs in 52 balls, which helped South Africa reach 6/115, a defendable total considering the nature of the pitch. Despite the slow pace, South Africa won by 12 runs, and Duminy was declared the Player of the Match for his composure under pressure.

9. Devon Smith (West Indies): 49 Balls Against Bangladesh (2007)

During the first T20 World Cup in 2007, Devon Smith scored the first slowest half-century in T20 history. Against Bangladesh, he scored a half-century in 49 balls. Smith scored 51 runs off 52 balls, with the West Indies innings playing a major role. Despite their efforts, Bangladesh easily chased down the target. This was the first time in T20 cricket that the traditional Test-match nature had met the demands of the shorter format.

10. David Hussey (Australia): 49 Balls Vs England (2010)

In the 2010 T20 World Cup final, David Hussey showed patience under immense pressure. As Australia struggled, Hussey defended, scoring half his runs off 49 balls. His innings of 59 runs off 54 balls helped Australia reach a competitive total of 147 runs. However, England easily chased down the target, although Hussey’s innings was on the slow side, but it was crucial to prevent a complete collapse.

11. Hamilton Masakadza (Zimbabwe): 48 Balls Against West Indies (2013)

Zimbabwe’s veteran opener Hamilton Masakadza completed our list by scoring a half-century off 48 balls against West Indies in 2013. Chasing 159, Masakadza tried to build up the innings but struggled with time on a difficult pitch. He eventually scored 53 off 51 balls, but Zimbabwe were trailed by 41 runs. Masakadza’s innings, though valiant, showed how difficult it can be to strike a balance between intent and caution in modern T20 cricket.

Conclusion

T20 cricket is not just about hitting boundaries, it’s about adapting to the conditions, reading the game and making smart decisions. These 11 innings prove that sometimes, the slowest half-centuries tell the richest stories, stories of surviving under criticism.

Continue Reading: Top 12 Slowest Centuries in Test Cricket History

FAQs

Q1. Why do some players score such slow half-centuries in T20Is?

A slow half-century is usually caused by difficult pitch conditions, low targets or early collapses that force batsmen to rebuild carefully. In some cases, bowlers dominate with swing or spin, leaving batsmen with little room to attack.

Q2. How does a slow half-century affect the outcome of a match?

It depends on the context. If a team is chasing a small score or playing on a bowler-friendly surface, a slow half-century can actually win the game.

Q3. Has any player apologised or admitted to playing too slowly?

Although rare, some players like Rizwan have faced criticism and admitted that they should have been quicker earlier. In modern T20 cricket, strike rate awareness is a key factor.

Q4. Are slow innings more common in associate countries?

Yes, partially. Associate countries like Scotland, Kenya or Zimbabwe often play on poor quality pitches. As a result, their batsmen prioritize wicketkeeping over aggression.

Q5. Who holds the record for both the fastest and slowest half-century in T20Is?

Neither record is held by a single player. The fastest half-century is held by Yuvraj Singh (12 balls vs England, 2007), while the slowest half-century is held by Ryan Watson (54 balls vs Kenya, 2007).

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