India’s 2.5‑over fifty shatters T20 records as rain halts match

Bengaluru, 17 October – In a rain‑shortened T20 International that was to be the finale of the five‑match series with West Indies, India produced a batting display that will be remembered for years. The side reached the 50‑run milestone in just 2.5 overs, setting a new world record for the fastest half‑century in the format.

The rain delayed the toss, and the match was reduced to nine overs per team. India surged to 118 for five in 7.4 overs before a further downpour ended play. Ishan Kishan’s 30 runs from ten balls, punctuated by five fours, set the tone. Captain Shreyas Iyer contributed a quick 22 off 14 balls, while Naman Dhir smashed 24 runs in just six deliveries and remained not out. Sanju Samson added a supportive 16 runs.

West Indies bowlers struggled, with Keemo Paul and Shamar Sprenger each picking up two wickets and Shamar Joseph taking one. This innings now leads a list that includes a three‑over fifty against West Indies in Hyderabad, a 3.1‑over half‑century versus New Zealand in Guwahati, a 3.2‑over effort against Pakistan at the Asian Games in Nischin, Japan, and a 3.3‑over fifty against Afghanistan in Delhi.