List A cricket has witnessed countless explosive batting performances over the years, but only a select few players have managed to rewrite the record books with incredibly rapid half-centuries. These knocks often leave bowlers helpless and completely alter the momentum of a match within a matter of overs.
The latest batter to grab global attention is India A sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who produced a stunning innings in the tri-series final against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla. His fearless approach and clean ball-striking earned him a place among some of the fastest-scoring batters in List A history.
Fastest List A fifties
List A cricket has produced numerous memorable batting performances, but very few compare to the speed and brutality of these record-breaking half-centuries. Here is a look at the five fastest fifties in List A cricket history by balls faced.
1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi – 11 balls, India A vs Sri Lanka A, Dambulla, 2026
Vaibhav sits at the top of the list after producing a sensational innings for India A against Sri Lanka A in the tri-series final in Dambulla. The teenage batter raced to his half-century in just 11 deliveries, setting a new world record for the fastest fifty in List A cricket. Suryavanshi eventually smashed 94 runs off only 29 balls, striking ten fours and eight sixes. His breathtaking assault helped India A post a massive total of 377 and laid the foundation for a convincing victory in the final.
2. Kaushalya Weeraratne – 12 balls, Ragama CC vs Kurunegala Youth CC, Colombo, 2005/06
Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Kaushalya Weeraratne held the record for nearly two decades before Suryavanshi surpassed his achievement. Representing Ragama Cricket Club, Weeraratne blasted a half-century in just 12 deliveries during a domestic List A contest in Colombo. His explosive innings became one of the most talked-about performances in Sri Lankan domestic cricket and stood as the benchmark for many years.
3. Thisara Perera – 13 balls, Sri Lanka Army SC vs Bloomfield CAC, Panagoda, 2020/21
Another Sri Lankan all-rounder features on this elite list. Known for his ability to clear boundaries effortlessly, Thisara Perera produced a remarkable display of power-hitting during a domestic one-day match in Panagoda. Perera reached his fifty in only 13 balls while representing Sri Lanka Army Sports Club. His innings showcased the aggressive batting style that made him one of Sri Lanka’s most dangerous white-ball players throughout his career.
4. Rory Kleinveldt – 14 balls, Western Province vs KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010/11
South African fast-bowling all-rounder Rory Kleinveldt occupies the fourth position on the list. Playing for Western Province against KwaZulu-Natal, Kleinveldt unleashed a brutal assault on the opposition attack and completed his half-century in just 14 deliveries. Although primarily known for his bowling, he demonstrated his ability with the bat through one of the fastest knocks ever seen in List A cricket.
5. Adam Hollioake – 15 balls, Surrey vs Yorkshire, Scarborough, 1994
Former England all-rounder Adam Hollioake rounds off the top five. Representing Surrey against Yorkshire at Scarborough, Hollioake brought up his fifty in only 15 balls during the 1994 season. At the time, it was considered one of the most destructive innings in limited-overs cricket and remains one of the fastest List A fifties ever recorded.
