Top 14 Players With Most Fifties in Cricket History (2025 Ranked)

4.7 (35) Cricket is a game of milestones, from centuries to five-wicket hauls, each statistic tells a story of consistency and brilliance. But if there is one measure that truly shows the reliability and class of a batsman, it is the number of half-centuries he has hit. Hitting consecutive half-centuries over a long career means […]

Cricket is a game of milestones, from centuries to five-wicket hauls, each statistic tells a story of consistency and brilliance. But if there is one measure that truly shows the reliability and class of a batsman, it is the number of half-centuries he has hit. Hitting consecutive half-centuries over a long career means that you have mastered not just skill, but also temperament, adaptability and stamina. While centuries often steal the spotlight, a half-century is the foundation of every great innings.

And as of 2025, we take a look at the top 13 players in cricket history who have scored the most half-centuries across all formats like Tests, ODIs and T20Is.

1. Sachin Tendulkar (India)

Span: 1989-2013
Matches: 664
Innings: 782
Runs: 34,357
Average: 48.52
100s/50s: 100/164

When it comes to batting records, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar sits comfortably at the top. With an incredible score of 264 or more half-centuries, the “Little Master” is a symbol of consistency. His 164 half-centuries, along with 100 centuries, make him the highest run-scorer in cricket history. For two decades, he carried India’s batting hopes on his shoulders, and even today, his record is almost unbreakable.

2. Virat Kohli (India)

Span: 2008-2025
Matches: 551
Innings: 618
Runs: 27,599
Average: 52.17
100s/50s: 82/143

The greatest player of the modern era, Virat Kohli has built his career on hunger and consistency. With 225 scores of 50+, Kohli has emerged as one of the most complete batsmen of his generation. Known for his unmatched chases in ODIs and power in T20Is, Kohli’s fitness and discipline have helped him maintain his excellence for over 17 years.

3. Ricky Ponting (Australia)

Span: 1995-2012
Matches: 560
Innings: 668
Runs: 27,483
Average: 45.95
100s/50s: 71/146

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting is widely regarded as one of the greatest leaders and batsmen in the history of the game. His 217 fifties or more scores demonstrate his adaptability across conditions and formats. Ponting’s pull shots and backfoot drives were the stuff of legends, and under his leadership, Australia became almost invincible.

4. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)

Span: 2000-2015
Matches: 594
Innings: 666
Runs: 28,016
Average: 46.77
100s/50s: 63/153

Elegant, outspoken and extremely consistent, Kumar Sangakkara was a pillar of Sri Lanka’s batting for 15 years. His 216 scores of 50+ speak volumes about his reliability and class. Sangakkara’s calm presence and impeccable technique allowed him to dominate bowlers in all conditions. Be it Gayle Turner’s or England’s seaming pitches, he found ways to adapt.

5. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)

Span: 1995-2014
Matches: 519
Innings: 617
Runs: 25,534
Average: 49.10
100s/50s: 62/149

The greatest all-rounder of the modern era, Jacques Kallis, was not just a wicket-taker and catch-taker, but he was a pure genius in his batting. With 211 half-centuries and a century, Kallis was South Africa’s run machine for almost two decades. His calm and patient batting approach made him a nightmare for bowlers. In addition to his runs, Kallis’ ability to perform under pressure places him among the all-time greats of cricket.

6. Rahul Dravid (India)

Span: 1996-2012
Matches: 509
Innings: 605
Runs: 24,208
Average: 45.41
100s/50s: 48/146

The “Wall” of Indian cricket, Rahul Dravid, is synonymous with perseverance and tenacity. With over 194 half-centuries, Dravid’s batting was based on patience, technique and mental strength. From his legendary innings at Adelaide to countless match-saving innings in England, Dravid reinvented the art of Test batting. His record across all formats, including his ODI adaptability, speaks of a player who can do it all.

7. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka)

Span: 1997-2015
Matches: 652
Innings: 725
Runs: 25,957
Average: 39.15
100s/50s: 54/136

The mastermind of Sri Lanka’s batting line-up was Mahela Jayawardene. Handsome and elegant, he made batting look easy. His 190 scores of 50+ showed his ability to build momentum and strengthen it as needed. His tactical mind later easily transitioned into coaching and cricket administration.

8. Joe Root (England)

Span: 2012-2025
Matches: 373
Innings: 490
Runs: 21,737
Average: 49.74
100s/50s: 58/114

England’s modern-day talent Joe Root continues to dominate world cricket. With 172 50+ scores, he is already one of the most consistent Test batsmen in history. Root’s textbook technique and impeccable nature make him almost impossible to sit down once he is set. He has been a mainstay of England’s Test team for over a decade, and as he continues to develop, he could climb even higher on this list by the time he retires.

9. Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies)

Span: 1994-2015
Matches: 454
Innings: 553
Runs: 20,988
Average: 45.72
100s/50s: 41/125

Known for his brilliant attitude and patience, Shivnarine Chanderpaul was a rock for West Indies in their most difficult years. His 166 scores of 50+ are testament to his unparalleled resilience. Chanderpaul was rarely flashy, but he was always reliable. He batted for hours, often saving matches almost single-handedly, and became one of the most underrated legends in world cricket.

10. Brian Lara (West Indies)

Span: 1990-2007
Matches: 430
Innings: 521
Runs: 22,358
Average: 46.28
100s/50s: 53/111

Few batsmen have performed like Brian Lara. With 164 50+ runs, Lara combined aggression and artistry in a unique way. His world record of 400* runs in Tests remains intact. Lara’s ability to score big against world-class bowlers underlined his talent. He didn’t just score runs; he made a statement every time he stepped onto the field.

11. Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan)

Span: 1991-2007
Matches: 499
Innings: 551
Runs: 20,580
Average: 43.32
100s/50s: 35/129

Inzamam-ul-Haq was literally Pakistan’s giant batsman in terms of size. His composure under pressure and easy timing allowed him to score half-centuries of 164 or more runs. Inzamam’s ability to perform in difficult conditions, especially in ODIs, made him one of Pakistan’s most beloved batsmen. His touch and composure were key to many of Pakistan’s victories in the 1990s and early 2000s.

12. Rohit Sharma (India)

Span: 2007-2025
Matches: 500
Innings: 533
Runs: 19,708
Average: 42.11
100s/50s: 49/108

Known as the “Hitman”, Rohit Sharma has redefined white-ball batting. His 157 scores of 50+ reflect his balance of soft and strong. With multiple double centuries in ODIs, Rohit’s record is simply breathtaking. In Tests too, Rohit has matured as a reliable opener. His ability to hit time, place and easy sixes makes him one of the most entertaining players of modern times.

13. AB de Villiers (South Africa)

Span: 2004-2018
Matches: 420
Innings: 484
Runs: 20,014
Average: 48.11
100s/50s: 47/109

The last place on this list belongs to the “Mr 360°” of world cricket, AB de Villiers. With fifty runs of 156 or more, AB changed the approach to batting. From classic Test innings to record-breaking ODI innings, his versatility was second to none. De Villiers blended innovation and technique, inspiring a generation of cricketers around the world.

14. MS Dhoni (India)

Span: 2004–2019
Matches: 538
Innings: 526
Runs: 17,266
Average: 44.96
100s/50s: 16/108

MS Dhoni is one of the best ODI captains for India. He has scored 73 half-centuries in ODIs. His calm batting style helps him finish games for the team. He has scored 10,773 runs and his average is 50.57. Dhoni is often unbeaten, with 84 unbeaten innings. This shows that he plays till the end and helps India win matches.

Conclusion

A “fifty” may not sound as glamorous as a century, but it’s the heartbeat of every great career. These 13 cricket legends didn’t just score runs; they defined eras. From Tendulkar’s longevity to Kohli’s intensity, each player on this list embodies the art of consistency. In the end, it’s not just about reaching 100, it’s about being there when your team needs it. And these players did just that, time and again.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why are half-centuries so important compared to centuries in cricket?

While centuries make headlines, half-centuries are often the innings that make a match. Under pressure, a half-century can turn the tide. Often, a player’s consistency is judged not by how often he scores 100 runs, but by how regularly he scores 50 runs.

Q2. Who among these players has the best conversion rate from half-century to century?

Among modern players, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers have exceptional conversion rates. Kohli in particular often converts his half-centuries into match-winning centuries, especially in ODIs.

Q3. Which format contributes the most to these half-centuries, Tests, ODIs or T20s?

For most of the players on this list, Tests and ODIs contribute the most half-centuries. Test cricket gives players time to build big innings, while ODIs offer a balance of aggression and patience.

Q4. Can any active player break Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most 50+ scores?

It is highly unlikely, but not impossible. Virat Kohli, being the closest, still needs about 40-50 more fifty-plus scores to surpass Sachin.

Q5. What does this record say about the evolution of batting in cricket?

These statistics show that while techniques have evolved, consistency remains paramount in cricket. Modern players face challenges like long schedules, multiple formats and new bowling styles. However, it only helps in making the game more popular and known across the world.