Markram’s Historic 19-Ball Fastest 50 in T20I World Cup For South Africa

Aiden Markram produced a captain’s innings for the ages, hammering the Fastest 50 in T20I World Cup by South Africa during a high-pressure run chase against New Zealand on February 14, 2026. The blistering knock came at the packed Narendra Modi Stadium and flipped the game’s momentum inside the Powerplay.

Set 176 to win, South Africa needed early intent. Markram delivered exactly that. He attacked length from ball one, stepping across his stumps, opening angles, and turning good balls into boundary options. Pace and spin received the same treatment as gaps disappeared and field changes failed.

The milestone arrived in just 19 balls, setting a new national benchmark and overtaking the previous South African tournament mark held by Quinton de Kock. The record moment came with a clean strike down the ground off Mitchell Santner, sending the crowd into a frenzy and the dugout on its feet.

"Aiden Markram's driving has been superb, both on the up and on the half-volley," noted commentators as the Proteas captain dismantled the Kiwi bowling.

What stood out was control as much as power. Markram kept shape, picked length early, and avoided risky cross-bat swings. His tempo meant the required rate dropped quickly, allowing the middle order to play percentage cricket instead of panic cricket.

The innings now sits among the standout captain knocks of the tournament and headlines the record for Fastest 50 in T20I World Cup by South Africa.

Top 5 Fastest Fifties for South Africa (T20 World Cup)

Player	Balls	Opponent	Date
Aiden Markram	19	vs New Zealand	14 Feb 2026
Quinton de Kock	21	vs England	18 Mar 2016
Quinton de Kock	22	vs England	21 Jun 2024
AB de Villiers	23	vs England	29 Mar 2014
Heinrich Klaasen	23	vs India	29 Jun 2024