In a powerful statement performance, Aiden Markram dismantled England‘s bowling attack with a record-breaking innings in the first ODI at Headingley. His sensational 23-ball half-century not only accelerated South Africa’s dominant victory but also cemented his name in the record books.
Aiden Markram’s destructive innings breaks records in 1st ODI vs England
Markram’s knock, 86 runs off just 55 balls that included 13 boundaries and 2 sixes, was a masterclass in aggressive yet controlled batting, as he took a particular liking to England’s debutant pacer, Sonny Baker. By achieving this milestone, he surpassed Chris Morris‘ record for the fastest fifty by a South African against England. Furthermore, he broke Quinton de Kock‘s record for the fastest fifty by a South African opener. His performance also earns him a spot among the fastest fifty-scorers in South African ODI history, joining an elite list that includes legends like AB de Villiers and Mark Boucher. It was a knock that set the tone for the series and left no doubt about South Africa’s intent.
Fastest fifties for South Africa in ODI cricket
- 16 balls: AB de Villiers vs West Indies, Johannesburg (2015)
This is not just the fastest ODI fifty for South Africa, but a world record that remains unbroken. On January 18, 2015, at the Wanderers Stadium, AB de Villiers produced one of the most astonishing displays of power hitting in cricket history. His half-century came off just 16 balls. He then proceeded to break the record for the fastest ODI century, reaching the milestone in just 31 balls, and later the fastest 150 in 62 balls. He ended his blitz with an unbelievable 149 from just 44 deliveries, helping South Africa post a massive 439/2. This innings included 9 fours and 16 sixes and cemented his reputation as ‘Mr. 360’ for his ability to hit to all parts of the ground.
- 19 balls: Mark Boucher vs Kenya, Potchefstroom (2006)
Mark Boucher, renowned for his gritty wicket-keeping, showed his immense power with the bat in this innings. On October 22, 2001, against Zimbabwe, he smashed a 19-ball fifty, a record at the time for the fastest by a South African. Boucher’s quick-fire knock demonstrated his ability to capitalize on the foundation laid by the top order and change the momentum of the game in a matter of overs. This innings was a brilliant example of his value as a finisher for the Proteas.
- 19 balls: Justin Kemp vs Zimbabwe, Durban (2005)
The big-hitting all-rounder Justin Kemp matched Mark Boucher’s record with his own 19-ball fifty against Zimbabwe in February 27, 2005. His explosive cameo came at the end of a dominant batting performance by South Africa. Kemp’s innings was a highlight of the late overs, as he provided a flurry of boundaries and five sixes to propel the team to an imposing total. This rapid contribution ensured that the Proteas maintained their high run rate and put the game well beyond the reach of the opposition, securing a convincing victory.
- 21 balls: Farhaan Behardien vs Ireland, Benoni (2016)
In a one-off ODI against Ireland, Farhaan Behardien showcased his clean hitting and finishing skills. Coming in lower down the order, he launched a late-innings assault, scoring an unbeaten fifty off just 21 balls. His aggressive approach, which included three fours and three sixes, was instrumental in pushing South Africa’s total well past the 350-run mark to an intimidating 354/5. This innings was a testament to his ability to perform under pressure and accelerate the scoring rate when it mattered most, helping the team secure a comfortable victory.
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- 21 balls: Mark Boucher vs Netherlands, Basseterre (2007)
Mark Boucher‘s second entry on this list came during the 2007 Cricket World Cup. In South Africa’s opening match against the Netherlands, he joined the scoring party, reaching his fifty in just 21 balls. This was, at the time, the fastest fifty in a Cricket World Cup and was part of a dominant batting performance that saw South Africa post a massive total. Boucher’s quick contribution at the back end of the innings ensured that the team maintained a high scoring rate, ultimately leading to a comprehensive 221-run victory.
- 22 balls: Mark Boucher vs West Indies, Grenada (2007)
Boucher’s exceptional form in the 2007 World Cup continued as he hit another lightning-fast fifty, this time against the hosts, West Indies. His 22-ball half-century showcased his consistency as a hard-hitting lower-order batsman. This innings was instrumental in helping South Africa build a formidable total against a strong opposition, contributing to another dominant win during the tournament.
- 23 balls: Aiden Markram vs England, Headingley (2025)
Aiden Markram‘s explosive innings in the first ODI against England at Headingley saw him smash a 23-ball half-century. Coming out to chase a modest total, Markram was in an aggressive mood from the outset, particularly targeting England’s debutant pacer Sonny Baker. His power-packed innings, which included eight fours and two sixes, set the tone for a quick and dominant victory. South Africa reached the target with seven wickets and plenty of overs to spare, giving them a commanding 1-0 series lead.
- 23 balls: AB de Villiers vs Bangladesh, Paarl (2017)
AB de Villiers’s final appearance on this list is a testament to his incredible consistency in white-ball cricket. In the second ODI against Bangladesh, he struck a magnificent 176 off 104 balls. His innings started with a rapid 23-ball fifty, setting the stage for a masterclass in controlled aggression. This knock helped South Africa secure a massive victory and seal the series.
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