The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen its fair share of explosive knocks but none quite like Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 47-ball 98 against Kolkata Knight Rider in IPL 2023.
During the knock, Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed the fastest 50 in the IPL, reaching the milestone in just 13 balls - one fewer than the previous record held jointly by KL Rahul and Pat Cummins.
Rajasthan Royals were chasing a modest total of 150 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and Jaiswal wasted no time in taking charge.
The carnage began from the first over when Jaiswal launched a brutal assault on KKR’s stand-in skipper Nitish Rana.
Jaiswal stepped out to hammer the first ball for a massive six over long-on and followed it up with another six off the next delivery, this time sweeping behind square with precision.
Two crisp fours through the off-side, a well-placed two, and another boundary meant Jaiswal ended the opening over with 26 runs - the second most expensive opening over in the IPL history.
The over also set the tone for what would be a record-breaking knock.
Unfazed by Jos Buttler's dismissal at the other end, Jaiswal dispatched Harshit Rana’s short ball for a six behind square in the second over, racing to 37 off just nine balls.
The Royals opener then tore into Shardul Thakur’s bowling, caressing boundaries through extra cover and midwicket, bringing himself in touching distance of the record.
On the next delivery, he flicked Thakur’s length ball towards deep square leg for a single, reaching his half-century in just 13 balls.
Jaiswal eventually remained unbeaten on 98 off 47 balls. He scored the winning runs with a six and his innings included 12 fours and five maximums.
His fireworks ensured Rajasthan Royals completed the chase in just 13.1 overs, securing a crucial victory and boosting their net run rate.
Speaking after the match, Jaiswal credited his mindset and preparation for his stellar performance. “I always have it in my heart to go out and do well. That's how I think. The process is very important - how I prepare and what I tell myself. The shot with which I won is what's most pleasing because I'm learning to play till the end and win it for the team. That's my motto. I'm blessed, grateful and trying my best,” he said.
Jaiswal ended the 2023 IPL season with a total of 625 runs, making him the highest run-scorer in a single IPL edition by an uncapped Indian player. The performance also earned him India’s Test and T20I debuts later that year.
Fastest 50 in IPL
Player (team) | Balls | Opponent | Edition |
Yashasvi Jaiswal (Rajasthan Royals) | 13 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 2023 |
KL Rahul (Kings XI Punjab) | 14 | Delhi Capitals | 2018 |
Pat Cummins (Kolkata Knight Riders) | 14 | Mumbai Indians | 2022 |
Yusuf Pathan (Kolkata Knight Riders) | 15 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2014 |
Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders) | 15 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 2017 |
