South Africa must find a place in the ODI XI for Quinton de Kock – it will be worth it

There has been much fanfare this week with the news that Quinton de Kock has come out of international retirement and is once again available to play for South Africa, and the selectors wasted no time in picking him for the upcoming tour to Pakistan.

QdK is obviously an enormously talented cricketer, and at just 32 years old he still has some good years ahead of him, but the big question should be does he walk straight back into the starting eleven?

De Kock is very good, but since his retirement he has been replaced by a player, who in many ways is a clone. Because much like QdK, Ryan Rickelton is also a lefthanded, wicketkeeper and opening batsman.

Ryan Rickelton will need to go

The big difference between the two is experience with the returning De Kock having played a total of 247 white-ball games for the Proteas while Rickelton has played just 33.

De Kock boasts better averages than Rickelton in both ODI cricket and T20Is, but he hasn’t played for South Africa since June 2024.

It would seem grossly unfair to drop Rickelton immediately as, while he hasn’t shot the lights out in white-ball action, he has also not done badly. So Rickelton and De Kock both play in the same team, and if so, how do they fit in.

Rickelton started the year very well when he recorded a sensational double century against Pakistan at Newlands. He followed up his excellent Test form with a powerful performance for MICT in SA20, a competition where he outscored De Kock comfortably.

His form however has taken a bit of a dip since then, although, as was the case with SA20, Rickelton out-performed De Kock in the IPL.

De Kock’s numbers though are excellent – it is hard to look past a player who scored three centuries in his last 10 ODI innings for South Africa and whose T20I stats are also outstanding.

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Who will take the wicketkeeping gloves?

The question here is less about wicket-keeping duty. If both players make it into the same team, then it seems likely that De Kock would don the gloves.

Heinrich Klaasen and Rickelton played in the same team up until the former’s retirement and Rickelton did duty in the field while Klaasen operated behind the stumps.

But where do they bat? Especially when you consider that there is a third, albeit slightly less established left-handed opening batsman and wicketkeeper in the mix in the form of Lhuan-dre Pretorius.

At present Shukri Conrad has made it clear that his preferred opening combination is Rickelton and Aiden Markram – that preference was obviously stated prior to De Kock’s return from retirement.

Markram is used as an opener, but the truth is he is not one. He is a number four batsman who has been asked to open because of his quality and ability.

Especially in T20I games it is a good idea to have your most dangerous batters at the top of the order. But if De Kock is back, it could allow Markram to drop down a position or two.

The fact that Markram is a righthander is a bonus as the left/right combination makes it trickier for bowlers to settle onto a line.

But two lefties at the top of the order is better than two right-handers and ultimately that should not have too much bearing on any decision. The real win for the Proteas is to have their most destructive batters facing the most balls possible.

Quinton de Kock to complement Dewald Brevis and Lhuan-dre Pretorius

White ball cricket, especially T20 cricket, is all about hitting from the outset and while bowling options are important, the real key to success with most current set-ups is to stack the batting with powerful hitters.

A top three for the Proteas of QdK, Rickelton and Pretorius would be enough to scare most opposition. If they are followed by Markram, Brevis, Stubbs and Miller that’s an imposing unit.

To have them followed by Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada makes for a phenomenally powerful batting unit, but it does leave them a bowler light.

The load of the fifth bowler would need to be split between Markram and Brevis which is perhaps not ideal.

It is going to be a tricky walk to navigate, but having too many world-class to choose from is a far better position to be in than having too few.

Shukri Conrad is getting plenty right at the moment, we will have to trust him to navigate this latest scenario – one thing is for certain; a happy and confident De Kock is a huge asset for South African cricket.

READ NEXT: The perfect Test cricketer based on best drive, best defence and 7 other important features

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Joe Root is an Australian Ashes century away from cricket immortality

Rory McIlroy at the Masters. Lionel Messi at the World Cup. Roger Federer at Roland Garros.

There are examples throughout sports history where players cross the line from greats to the all-time best. Moments where they overcome the final hurdle, one that has eluded them for years.

Joe Root could retire tomorrow and would go down as one of cricket’s best. Captain of his country, the second all-time run scorer and the best ever Englishman, a World Cup winner, Ashes winner and he’s even got a Test fifer.

And yet, one achievement has escaped him in his 12 years of Test cricket – a century on Australian soil.

His best effort came the last time England were Down Under. With the visitors having been skittled for 147, they were chasing 278 to avoid losing by an innings at the first Test in Brisbane. As has often been the case with Root, he performed when everyone else around him seemed to struggle.

England’s forgettable opening partnership of Haseeb Hameed and Rory Burns made 40 between them. Dawid Malan’s 82 steadied the ship but Root’s 89 would prove to be the biggest score of England’s second innings and they duly lost by nine wickets, a portent for the 4-0 thumping Australia would inflict on their biggest rivals.

At home, Root has not been so troubled. He has reached triple digits on four occasions, most recently in June 2023 with a 118* at Edgbaston, and yet series-defining success in the hostile climate of Australia remains the final piece of the puzzle, the last hurdle he must overcome before there can be no doubt he belongs amongst cricket’s best ever.

Root’s emergence has coincided with a dreadful run of form for England in the opposition’s backyard. His first away series in 2013 was dominated by the frightening pace bowling of Mitchell Johnson. The even fresher-faced Yorkshireman managed 192 from his eight innings as no Englishman cracked the top six of run scorers.

The next time he was there was as captain and leading a fairly unconvincing batting lineup. The result was predictable, Australia won 4-0 and Root may have had a chance to reach his 100 in the dead-rubber final Test had he not been forced to retire on 58* with a viral gastroenteritis bug.

His most recent series summed up his time as captain. Burdened by the added responsibility of not only guiding the team but being the face put up in front of the media after another defeat, he averaged 32.2.

But in the three years since England were last in Australia, Root has solidified his reputation as one of the greats. Loosened from the shackles of captaincy and given the freedom by Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum to focus on his batting, Root has gone from what some would say was the weakest member of the ‘Fab Four’ to the undeniable best.

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16 centuries have been added, putting to bed any suggestions he could not convert from 50s. He has moved to number two in the all-time run scorers list, surpassing Ricky Ponting and with a real chance of chasing down Sachin Tendulkar. In the summer series against India, he averaged 67.12.

Now, as England prepare for the long flight south, Root departs Heathrow as the No.1 ranked Test batter in the world and perhaps even more crucially, the No.2 is English as well.

At 34 and in the form of his life, this series represents his best chance to break through that final hurdle but, he insists, Ashes success is far more important than individual glory.

“This tour isn’t about me making 100,” he told Sky Sports. “It’s about us going and winning an Ashes series. As an experienced player, if I go out and make big scores and big 100s, then that gives us a great opportunity to go and do that.

“It’s understanding that role within the team, building those big scores together as a group, like we have done over the course of the summer and the last couple of years. Then, hopefully, that leads to winning games of cricket. If personal accolades come along, then fine.”

In another interview, Root said he “wanted it way too much” but if that clouded his judgement as captain, this time round he is allowed the selfishness of just focusing on himself.

While Australia’s pace attack is as fearsome as ever, Root’s task is at least made easier by those around him. Harry Brook trails only Root in the rankings, Ben Stokes is fifth on the top Ashes run scorers since 2010. In Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, England has a settled opening pair meaning Root will not be at the crease before the first drinks break. Cricket Australia’s decision to host the first Test in Perth rather than the ‘Gabbatoir’ may also play into his favour.

Joe Root has never few doubters left to prove wrong but in the same way that had Federer not won every Slam, McIlroy not claimed the Masters or Messi having never emulated Diego Maradona by winning the World Cup for Argentina, a career without a hundred in Australia will forever be the ‘but’ moment in conversations about his legacy.

At 34, you get the sense it is now or never for Root to achieve this milestone and if he were to achieve it, there can be no more questions about the best Englishman to ever pick up a bat.

READ NEXT: The perfect Test cricketer based on best drive, best defence and 7 other important features

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The best India v Pakistan T20s clashes of all-time with rivals set to face off in Asia Cup final

One of cricket’s biggest rivalries India v Pakistan will have its next instalment in a final as the two neighbouring countries compete to win the Asia Cup this Sunday.

Political as well as sporting history makes the India–Pakistan cricket rivalry one of the fiercest in the entirety of cricket and whenever these two meet, fireworks seems to happen.

Ahead of this Sunday’s final, here are five all-time classic T20 meetings between the pair.

2025 Asia Cup – India chase historic total

The final will not be the first meeting of these two nations in this year’s tournament as they have already played each other twice, once in the group stage and once in the Super Four.

While India strolled to a comfortable seven-wicket win in the group stage, the Super Four meeting was a much more dramatic affair as Sahibzada Farhan powered Pakistan to a 171 score and seemingly put the game out of sight.

But an opening partnership of 105 runs in 59 balls between Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill set India on their way to a record-breaking score of 174 which is their highest successful run chase in Asia Cup history.

Pakistan will be aiming to avoid a repeat when they meet on Sunday.

2022 T20 World Cup – Kohli masters the pressure

Virat Kohli may have retired after India’s World Cup win in 2024 but he had plenty of influence on this fixture over the years and one of his best moments came in 2022 when Pakistan and India met at the MCG for their World Cup opener.

In a high-pressure affair, Pakistan batted first and posted a total of 159/8 with Shan Masood and Fakhar Ahmed scoring half-centuries, giving India a big task to get their campaign off to a winning start.

Their attempt to do that got off to an awful start with KL Rahul falling after 1.5 overs for four and his opening partner Rohit Sharma departed for the same score but commeth the hour, commeth the man as Kohli produced one of his career-best innings.

The all-time great scored 82* off 53, including six fours and four sixes to power India to victory. He did so with plenty falling around him too as only two other players made it to the double digits.

2014 Asia Cup – Afridi’s back-to-back sixes

India and Pakistan have excellent history when it comes to the Asia Cup and arguably no match has ever been better than the 2014 encounter. As Kohli did in 2022, victory came down to one man handling his nerves and this time it was Shahid Afridi.

The Pakistani already had a reputation as a great finisher but he solidified that when his team needed 11 runs from the final over to win their group stage encounter.

Afridi started off strike but the first ball saw Saeed Ajmal bowled by Ravi Ashwin and the replacement Junaid Khan was able to score a single on his first ball and get Afridi in the firing line.

Afridi, needing 10 from four balls, teed off and hit back-to-back sixes, giving Pakistan a famous win with two balls to spare.

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2007 T20 World Cup – First T20 World Cup encoutner goes to bowl-off

The first meeting between India and Pakistan in a T20 World Cup was certainly a memorable one and came back in 2007.

The inaugural edition of the tournament drew the two in the same group alongside Scotland and after India’s match with the Scots was washed out, they needed a result against their biggest rivals to ensure progress to the Super 8s.

Pakistan bowled first and restricted India to 141/9 but Pakistan posted the exact same score in their innings, setting up a rarely seen bowl-out to decide who would be victorious.

But India captain MS Dhoni threw a curveball and picked non-specialists for his team’s attempts. It was a decision that paid off as all three of India’s bowlers hit the stumps while all three of Pakistan’s failed.

It was a dramatic ending to the countries’ first T20 World Cup meeting but would not be the only time they met that year…

2007 ICC T20 World Cup – India win tight final affair

Following the bowl-out drama, both India and Pakistan topped their Super 8 group, making it look inevitable they would meet in the final.

A victory for India over Australia and Pakistan over New Zealand in the semis set up the match in what proved to be a nail-biting affair.

India batted first with Gautam Gambhir opening with a score of 75. Rohit Sharma’s knock of 30* saw the team post a score of 157/5 but Pakistan came so close to matching it.

Despite losing Mohammad Hafeez after five balls, Imran Nazir and Younis Khan combined to bring Pakistan up to 53/3 and with a chance of reaching the target score.

But a series of quick wickets swung momentum back in India’s favour and it came down to Pakistan’s tailenders with the country’s hopes resting on their shoulders. Ultimately, they fell short and were all out for 152, giving India their first T20 World Cup win.

READ NEXT: The top 13 Ashes run scorers of the modern era as next series draws closer

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The top 13 Ashes run scorers of the modern era as next series draws closer

The 74th Ashes Series is rapidly approaching with England heading Down Under to face their long-time foe Australia but who has been the best batsmen in the modern era?

While Don Bradman comfortably tops the all-time list thanks to his 5,028 runs, if we look for just 2010 onwards, things get a little more even.

Here are the top 13 highest Ashes scores since 2010:

13. Stuart Broad

First of all, apologies to Stuart as his impressive 234 scored in his first Ashes series has been removed due to it coming in the 2009 series.

But even with that omitted, Broady still cracks the top 10 and is the only outright bowler to do so.

He scored 785 runs in 58 innings, giving him an average of 17.07. His highest score was 65 at Trent Bridge in 2013 which came after his infamous decision not to walk despite nicking one off to Michael Clarke.

785 runs scored at 17.07

12. Travis Head

The last time the Ashes was held in Australia, Travis Head enjoyed a career-defining series that saw him score 357 runs, topping the list for both sides.

Perhaps once thought of as a batsman not quite at the top level, Head began the series with a score of 152 at the Gabba to power the Aussies to victory and set the tone moving forward.

Overall, Head has 910 runs in the Ashes at a rate of 39.56 and is undeniably one of the players England will be most worried about this time round.

His most recent match saw him smash South Africa all round the park for a score of 142 in the ODI series.

910 runs scored at 39.56

11. Marnus Labuschagne

England fans were ruing their luck when a concussion sub to Steve Smith unwittingly gave Marnus Labuschagne the chance he needed to prove himself in the Australia team.

His replacement of Steve Smith at Lord’s after some lethal Jofra Archer bowling saw him go on to eclipse Smith as the leading Test run scorer in the world for 2019 and made him a certain start at No.3.

However, in recent years he has been in and out of the Test side following a dramatic loss of form. He played in the World Test Championship final but could only manage a score of 39 from two innings and has not played for the side since.

Labuschagne does still have one of the best records of the modern era, scoring 1,016 runs at a rate of 40.64.

1,016 runs scored at 40.64

10. Michael Clarke

Although the majority of Michael Clarke’s Ashes runs came pre-2010, he was still pretty handy after that year.

He played up until the 2015 series and managed score 1,069 runs in that time while also serving as Australian captain.

1,069 runs scored at 30.54

9. Chris Rogers

After being dropped following his first Test match in 2008, Chris Rogers being on this list is a testament to his determination.

He returned to the Australia fold in 2013 at the age of 35 and went on to score 2,105 runs at a rate of 42.87. Not to mention, he absolutely loved playing against England.

Of the five Test centuries he notched, four of them came against England and he had an impressive average of 49.82 in English conditions.

In total, he scored 1,310 runs in Ashes series at a rate of 48.51.

1,310 runs scored at 48.51

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8. Ian Bell

While he scored plenty of runs pre-2010, Bell’s magnum opus came in the 2013 Ashes when his 562 runs powered England to a 3-0 win over Australia.

Overall, he scored 1,983 runs against Australia but his average was down at 35.41 when you factor in all of his career. Post-2010 though and that was up to 58.3.

1,341 runs scored at 58.3

7. Usman Khawaja

If the upcoming series was in England, Usman Khawaja may not have made the squad but the fact that his home record is so good may give him a stay of execution.

The 38-year-old averages 48.23 in Australia and 40.52 specifically against England with four Ashes centuries on his CV.

A 6,053-run Test career is made up of 1,378 in Ashes knocks.

1,378 runs scored at 40.52

6. Jonny Bairstow

Jonny Bairstow may now have been ousted from the England Test setup but he racked up a fair amount of runs during his time in the team.

Against Australia, he has scored 1,406 runs including two centuries but critically those came from 47 innings, giving him an average of 31.24 which, aside from Broad, is the lowest in this top 10.

Bairstow’s last Ashes Test was in July 2023 when he made 78 before being caught at the Oval.

1,406 runs scored at 31.24

5. Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes may be fourth on this list but he is the author of arguably the most painful runs in Australian Test history.

His 2019 Headingley performance will forever be part of the all-time great innings and his presence does still seem to unnerve some of the players of that day who are still in the team today.

But he isn’t getting any younger and the pressure of captaincy alongside bowling and batting has taken its toll. When fully fit and firing, Stokes can be a game-changer for England but the team has to manage his minutes and may well be forced to choose which Tests he plays and which ones he sits out.

1,562 runs scored at 36.32

4. Alastair Cook

‘Alastair Cook enjoyed his best Ashes series at the turn of the decade when he scored 766 runs in England’s mighty win Down Under.

In that series, he scored 766 runs at an average of 127.56 including 235* at Brisbane.

That set the tone for a series which would see England win in Australia for the first time since 1987.

1,995 runs scored at 45.34

3. David Warner

David Warner’s appearance on this list comes through longevity rather than any outstanding knocks.

In 61 attempts, the opener managed just three centuries, all of which came in Australia, and his average of 36.83 is amongst his worst.

But scoring 2,173 runs as an opener is nothing to be sniffed at, even if Broad had his number in the latter years.

2,173 runs scored at 36.83

2. Joe Root

If England are to have any success this Australian summer, the form of Joe Root will be crucial to that.

Since giving up the captaincy, Root has ascended into undoubtedly one of the best batsmen of all time but Australia remains a hurdle he needs to climb.

His average against the Aussies is 40.46 and, as their fans like to point out, he has never scored a century Down Under.

In the form of his career, you get the sense that if Root is to achieve that milestone, he will do it in the upcoming series.

2,428 runs scored at 40.46

1. Steve Smith

England’s nemesis for this era comes in the form of Steve Smith who sent the country into an almost existential crisis when trying to find a way to get him out.

His best series came in 2019 when he managed 774 runs at an incredible average of 110.57 which has been lauded as one of the best batting performances of all time.

Overall, England is one of his favourite opponents with an average of 56.01 and he has scored 3,417 runs in total.

His powers may have waned somewhat, he scored just one hundred in the last Ashes series, but Smith is still a player not to be ignored if England have any ambitions of bringing the Urn home.

3,417 runs scored at 56.01

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The 7 fiercest and fastest bowlers in Ashes history – Mitchell Johnson vs Jofra Archer and more

The Ashes has always been about more than bat and ball. It is about pressure, theatre and the extremes of human skill. It is about legacy and heroic performances and about history.

There are very few sporting contests anywhere in the world that boast the type of history and legend that The Ashes do.

One of the recurring themes of Ashes Test cricket over the years has been the lightning-fast quicks who have terrorised batters down the generations.

From bruised ribs to broken stumps, speed has been one of the defining features of this rivalry. While pace alone does not win series, the psychological effect of seeing a blur hurtling towards you at 90mph or more is incalculable.

Here are seven of the fastest bowlers ever to take part in cricket’s oldest contest.

1. Harold Larwood (England)

• Ashes career: 1926-1933
• Innings: 28
• Wickets: 64
• Best bowling in a match: 10/124
• Average: 29.87
• Economy rate: 2.83
• Strike rate: 63.3

Few names resonate in Ashes folklore quite like Harold Larwood. The spearhead of England’s “Bodyline” tactics in the 1932–33 series, Larwood consistently delivered at fearsome pace on unforgiving Australian pitches.

His hostile short-pitched bowling at Don Bradman and company was controversial, sparking one of cricket’s greatest diplomatic rows, but also set new standards for controlled aggression.

While Larwood’s Test career ended prematurely amid the fallout, his speeds were estimated well in excess of 90mph, a quite remarkable achievement for an era before modern training and equipment.

2. Jeff Thomson (Australia)

• Ashes career: 1974-1985
• Innings: 37
• Wickets: 97  
• Best bowling in a match: 9/105
• Average: 23.89
• Economy rate: 2.92
• Strike rate: 49.0

Perhaps the most frightening bowler the Ashes has ever seen, Jeff Thomson’s action was as unorthodox as it was explosive. At his peak in the mid-1970s, Thomson was timed at over 95mph, and batters spoke of the ball appearing from “somewhere behind his right ear.”

His opening partnership with Dennis Lillee in the 1974–75 Ashes left England shell-shocked. With long, slingshot limbs and a snarling competitiveness, Thomson embodied raw pace at its most destructive.

Also read – Rated: Australia’s greatest Ashes openers – no room for David Warner or Justin Langer

3. Frank Tyson (England)

• Ashes career: 1954-1959
• Innings: 13
• Wickets: 32
• Best bowling in a match: 10/130
• Average: 25.31
• Economy rate: 2.81
• Strike rate: 53.8

Nicknamed “Typhoon Tyson,” Frank Tyson was the cutting edge of England’s 1954–55 Ashes triumph in Australia. His bowling was so fast that contemporaries compared him to Larwood and even suggested he surpassed him.

Tyson’s devastating burst in Sydney (he took six for 85 in the second innings) turned the series. He may have played only 17 Tests, but in that brief window Tyson delivered spells of pace rarely matched before or since.

4. Brett Lee (Australia)

• Ashes career: 2001-2007
• Innings: 36
• Wickets: 62
• Best bowling in a match: 6/83
• Average: 40.61
• Economy rate: 3.85
• Strike rate: 63.2

Brett Lee brought Hollywood glamour to the fast bowler’s role, all flowing blond hair and whiplash pace. But behind the charisma was raw velocity: Lee was regularly clocked above 95mph and occasionally edged towards the 100mph mark.

His Ashes record is mixed – he was often blunted by England’s batting depth – but his battles with Andrew Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen remain etched in memory. Lee’s sheer speed meant that even when wickets did not come, the sense of danger never receded.

5. Jofra Archer (England)

• Ashes career: 2019-2019
• Innings: 8
• Wickets: 22
• Best bowling in a match: 8/85
• Average: 20.27
• Economy rate: 2.85
• Strike rate: 42.5

The 2019 Ashes produced many storylines, but none more compelling than the emergence of Jofra Archer as a genuinely quick bowler for England.

His duel with Steve Smith at Lord’s, when a 92mph bouncer struck the Australian star on the neck, was a chilling reminder of pace’s power. Archer’s relaxed run-up belies the explosiveness of his deliveries, which often exceeded 95mph during that series.

Injuries have curtailed his progress since, but his impact in that summer was seismic. England have been working hard to manage his load and return him to full fitness in the hope that he will be able to wreak havoc again in December.

6. Dennis Lillee (Australia)

• Ashes career: 1971-1982
• Innings: 47
• Wickets: 128
• Best bowling in a match: 11/159
• Average: 22.32
• Economy rate: 2.45
• Strike rate: 54.6

While not always the outright fastest, Dennis Lillee combined pace, hostility and unerring control to devastating effect. In tandem with Thomson, he formed one of the most feared fast-bowling pairings in Ashes history.

Lillee’s ability to crank up to speeds in the mid-90s, allied with relentless aggression, made him a nightmare for England’s batters in the 1970s and early 1980s. Beyond the numbers,

Lillee’s aura, all chest hair, gold chain, and constant barrage of verbals, was an intimidation weapon in itself.

7. Mitchell Johnson (Australia)

• Ashes career: 2009-2015
• Innings: 34
• Wickets: 87
• Best bowling in a match: 9/82
• Average: 25.81
• Economy rate: 3.57
• Strike rate: 43.2

England fans of 2013–14 still shudder at the mention of Mitchell Johnson. Having endured years of inconsistency, Johnson suddenly clicked, bowling at 95mph with venomous bounce and late swing.

His moustached charge through that series brought 37 wickets at 13.97 and left England’s batting order in ruins. It was one of the most dominant displays of pace bowling in Ashes history, and proof of how pure speed can change the entire dynamic of a contest.

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Has anyone bettered Yuvraj Singh’s 12-ball 50 vs Stuart Broad and England yet?

As the mindset in T20 batting continues to evolve, runs are being scored ever quicker, while at the same time bowler strike-rates are getting better-and-better.

The reality has dawned that you don’t need time to play yourself in and that you can simply go for it from ball one.

Similarly, fours are becoming a thing of the past as batters opt for maximums rather than classical shots along the ground – increasingly fours have become sixes that didn’t quite go all the way, rather than proper Test strokes.

All this means that the speed it takes to reach fifty is getting shorter-and-shorter. Let’s take a moment to look at the quickest fifties hit in T20I cricket.

1. Dipendra Singh Airee: 9 balls

• Nepal v Mongolia, Hangzhou, 2023

The record that stunned the cricketing world came during the Asian Games in Hangzhou, when Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee bludgeoned his way to a 50 in just nine balls.

This is a significant feat as it is impossible to reach 50 in fewer balls. Math is simple, eight sixes is only 48, so, like Airee, you need at least nine balls. Airee’s innings was the definition of modern T20 batting – relentless aggression from the very first ball.

He cleared the ropes with ease, finding the middle of the bat time after time. Nepal posted a mammoth 314 for 3, the highest T20I total at the time, with Airee’s cameo the highlight.

His nine-ball fifty not only set a new world record but also demonstrated how far the game has moved since its inception. For the record he hit eight sixes and a two in reaching the milestone.

2. Yuvraj Singh: 12 balls

• India v England, Durban, 2007

While the majority of these lightning-fast knocks happened at associate level, this is one innings etched into cricketing folklore, due to the protagonists involved.

It was Yuvraj Singh’s assault on England‘s Stuart Broad during the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. Six sixes in an over swung the match, the tournament, and perhaps even the sport itself.

In the space of 12 deliveries, Yuvraj rewrote what was thought possible in international cricket, reaching his fifty in 12 balls – the fastest at the time.

It wasn’t just about the numbers, but the occasion: under the lights in Durban, on the world stage, against a Test-playing nation. Yuvraj’s innings remains one of the most iconic moments in the game’s history for India.

Also read – Rated: Australia’s greatest Ashes openers – no room for David Warner or Justin Langer

3. Sahil Chauhan: 12 balls

• Estonia v Cyprus, Episkopi, 2024

From the global stage to Europe’s emerging cricket scene, Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan produced a whirlwind knock against Cyprus to equal Yuvraj’s record.

Chauhan’s ability to hit cleanly down the ground and into the stands caught everyone by surprise. For associate cricket, it was a landmark moment: a reminder that explosive talent is not limited to just the big names.

Chauhan’s 12-ball fifty gave Estonia not only a personal milestone but also a place in the global cricketing conversation. Chauhan ended with a score of 144 not out as Estonia reached a total of 194 to win – contributing a massive 74% of the team total.

4. Muhammad Fahad: 13 balls

• Turkey v Bulgaria, Sofia, 2025

Given that they don’t play any Test cricket T20I cricket has opened the door for emerging nations to carve out their own history, and Turkey’s Muhammad Fahad did just that in Sofia.

Facing Bulgaria, Fahad blasted a 13-ball half-century, using brute force and fearless hitting to dismantle the bowling attack. His innings showed how quickly players from non-traditional cricketing countries are adapting to the rhythms of the T20 game.

Fahad’s knock put Turkey on the cricketing map, at least for a day, and demonstrated the format’s global reach.

5. Tadiwanashe Marumani: 13 balls

• Zimbabwe v Gambia, Nairobi, 2024

Zimbabwe have long had a reputation for producing naturally gifted stroke-makers, and Tadiwanashe Marumani is no exception. Against Gambia in Nairobi, Marumani unleashed a breathtaking display of clean hitting, racing to his fifty in 13 deliveries.

The innings showcased his ability to combine flair with raw power, a reminder of Zimbabwe’s deep well of batting talent.

For a nation often battling off-field issues, Marumani’s exploits gave fans a glimpse of a bright future on the pitch as Zimbabwe posted a total of 344 for four, a score that is currently the highest ever T20I total.

6. Jan Frylinck: 13 balls

• Namibia v Zimbabwe, Bulawayo, 2025

A more than useful left-arm seam bowler, Jan Frylinck was opening the batting on this occasion as he put Zimbabwe to the sword in Bulawayo.

Coming into bat after Namibia won the toss, Frylinck launched an astonishing attack, smashing his way to a 13-ball fifty. The Cape Town born and raised Frylinck started on the front foot with 15 runs from the first over.

He really opened up in the fourth over when he smashed 26 from five as he eventually reached a total of 77. The fact that his runs came against Zimbabwe, a full-member side, gave the achievement extra weight.

Namibia have built a reputation as giant-killers in limited-overs cricket, and Frylinck’s fireworks were another step in heralding their rise as a competitive force.

Fastest T20I 50s – top 6 summary list

1. Dipendra Singh Airee: 9 balls
2. Yuvraj Singh: 12 balls
3. Sahil Chauhan: 12 balls
4. Muhammad Fahad: 13 balls
5. Tadiwanashe Marumani: 13 balls
6. Jan Frylinck: 13 balls

Read next – 5 nighthawks rated: The best nightwatchmen efforts of all time

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RIP, Dickie Bird: An elite member of cricket’s greatest Test umpires

Test cricket has always placed unique demands on its officials.

With matches stretching over five days, every decision is magnified, scrutinised and often remembered as much as the play itself.

Standing in the middle requires patience, accuracy, and the ability to withstand enormous pressure from players, fans and media alike.

Here are the men who have stood in many Tests, leaving their imprint on the game’s long history.

Where is the late Dickie Bird among these greats? Bird, who is a great of umpiring in his own right, passed away in September 2025.

1. Aleem Dar (Pakistan)

• 145 Tests, 2003-2023

Aleem Dar is the record-holder, having officiated in 145 Tests over two decades. A former first-class batsman, Dar brought calm authority and unflappable temperament to the international arena.

He stood in his first Test in 2003 and quickly established himself as one of the world’s best, earning three consecutive ICC Umpire of the Year awards between 2009 and 2011.

Known for his sharp eye and ability to maintain composure under pressure, Dar became the face of elite umpiring in the DRS era.

His retirement in 2023 marked the end of a remarkable chapter, with Dar having stood in more Tests than any other umpire in history.

2. Steve Bucknor (West Indies)

• 128 Tests, 1989-2009

The West Indies’ Steve Bucknor was one of the most recognisable umpires of his generation.

A schoolteacher and football referee (he even refereed a FIFA World Cup qualifying game between El Salvador and the Netherlands Antilles) before turning to cricket, Bucknor stood in five consecutive World Cup finals from 1992 to 2007 – a record unlikely to be matched.

In Tests, he officiated in 128 matches across 20 years, becoming a fixture in the middle during some of the game’s greatest battles. His calm and considered style earned respect while his long service ensured he remains one of the most iconic figures in umpiring history.

3. Rudi Koertzen (South Africa)

• 108 Tests, 1992-2010

Few umpires were as distinctive as Rudi Koertzen, whose trademark “slow finger of death” became part of cricket folklore. Koertzen, a former clerk and keen amateur cricketer, rose through the ranks to become South Africa’s most respected umpire.

Between 1992 and 2010, he stood in 108 Tests, officiating in Ashes contests, World Cups, and high-pressure series across the world. Koertzen was admired for his consistency and no-nonsense approach, though he also had a dry wit that endeared him to players.

His tragic death in a car accident in 2022 was met with tributes from across the cricketing world.

Also read – Rated: Australia’s greatest Ashes openers – no room for David Warner or Justin Langer

4. Daryl Harper (Australia)

• 95 Tests, 1998-2011

Daryl Harper was the first Australian to be appointed to the ICC’s Elite Panel of Umpires, and he went on to officiate in 95 Tests. Beginning his international career in 1998, Harper was known for his approachable manner and good communication with players.

He was part of the early years of the Decision Review System (DRS), which brought new challenges to umpires’ authority and judgment.

Although he retired in 2011 amid some criticism of his use of technology, Harper’s contribution to modernising umpiring remains significant.

5. Rod Tucker (Australia)

• 95 Tests, 2010-2025

Rod Tucker, a former first-class cricketer for New South Wales and Tasmania, transitioned seamlessly into umpiring and quickly rose through the ranks.

Since his Test debut in 2010, he has become a mainstay of the ICC Elite Panel, and at the time of writing had stood in 95 Tests. Tucker is respected for his calm, understated style and his willingness to adapt to the demands of modern cricket.

His longevity reflects both his accuracy and the trust placed in him by the game’s administrators, making him one of Australia’s most successful umpires.

6. Richard Kettleborough (England)

• 93 Tests, 2010-2025

Richard Kettleborough has become one of the most admired umpires of his generation.

A former Yorkshire batsman, he has been praised for his consistency, clarity, and authority on the field. Kettleborough was named ICC Umpire of the Year three times between 2013 and 2015, underlining his reputation for excellence.

By 2025, he had stood in 93 Tests, including numerous Ashes series and global tournaments. His ability to remain composed in high-pressure moments has made him one of the most trusted officials in the modern game.

7. Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka)

• 92 Tests, 2010-2025

Kumar Dharmasena is unique among this group as a former World Cup-winning player. An off-spinning all-rounder who lifted the trophy with Sri Lanka in 1996, he transitioned into umpiring after retirement and became one of the leading officials of the modern era.

Dharmasena’s international playing experience has often been cited as an advantage, giving him empathy with cricketers under pressure. By 2025, he had officiated in 92 Tests, while also regularly standing in limited-overs finals.

His career demonstrates the successful shift from international player to elite umpire.

8. David Shepherd (England)

• 92 Tests, 1985-2005

Though matched on numbers by Dharmasena, David Shepherd’s legacy deserves special mention. Famous for his superstitious hop on 111 (“Nelson”), Shepherd stood in 92 Tests and three World Cup finals.

Affable, approachable and respected across the cricket world, he became one of the most popular umpires of all time. Shepherd embodied the spirit of the game during two decades in the middle, and his passing in 2009, at the age of just 68, was widely mourned.

17. Dickie Bird (England)

• 66 Tests, 1973-1996

No list of iconic umpires is complete without a mention for Harold “Dickie” Bird, even if his tally of 66 Tests (which at one stage was a World record) places him outside the very top bracket numerically.

A former Yorkshire batsman whose playing career was curtailed by injury, Bird became the most recognizable umpire of his era, standing in Tests from 1973 to 1996.

His distinctive white cap, expressive mannerisms, and reputation for honesty made him a beloved figure around the world. Bird officiated in three World Cup finals (1975, 1979 and 1983) and was known for both his humour and his humanity on the field.

Revered by players and adored by fans, he remains perhaps the most famous umpire the game has ever produced. Bird passed away at the age of 92 in September 2025.

Read next – 5 nighthawks rated: The best nightwatchmen efforts of all time

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