November 14, 2024: Marco Jansen has etched his name in the record books with an extraordinary performance during the third T20I of the four-match series between South Africa and India at SuperSport Park.
The 24-year-old South African all-rounder played a blistering knock of 54 runs off just 17 balls, a remarkable feat that included five sixes and four boundaries, and came at an unbelievable strike rate of 317.65.
Jansen’s rapid fifty in 16 balls broke the previous record for the fastest T20I half-century, set by Cameron Green of Australia, who had completed his fifty in 19 balls during the 2022 series in Hyderabad. With this achievement, Jansen now holds the record for the fastest T20I fifty against India, adding another feather to his cap.
Interestingly, Jansen’s performance also places him among a select group of cricketers to score a fifty in the shortest format at such a blistering pace. Other players with notable quick-fire fifties in T20Is include:
- Johnson Charles (West Indies) – 20 balls in 2016 at Lauderhill.
- Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka) – 20 balls in 2023 at Pune.
In addition to this, Jansen’s 16-ball fifty makes him the second-fastest to score a T20I half-century for South Africa, just behind Quinton de Kock, who achieved his fifty in 15 balls against the West Indies at Centurion earlier in 2023.
Jansen’s explosive batting not only helped South Africa make a significant impact in the match but also highlighted his growing reputation as a dynamic all-rounder capable of turning games around with both bat and ball. His record-breaking innings is a clear reminder of the exciting talent South Africa has in the shortest format.
