T20 World Cup 2021: Shoaib Malik smashes fastest 50 of tournament, Pakistan book Australia clash in SF

Pakistan batter Shoaib Malik on Sunday equalled India opener KL Rahul’s record of fastest fifty in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021. Malik achieved the feat in the ongoing match against Scotland as Pakistan ended the Super 12 stage on a high. Malik smashed 54 runs in 18 balls as Pakistan scored 189 in 20 overs.

In doing so, the Pakistan batter equalled Rahul’s record of fastest fifty in this year’s T20 World Cup 2021. KL Rahul had scored 50 in 18 balls on Friday as India chased down 86 in 6.3 overs against Scotland.

Malik’s fifty is also the fastest half-century (18 balls) for Pakistan in T20 World Cup history. Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh holds the record of smashing the fastest-ever fifty in T20Is. The flamboyant batsman had amassed 6 sixes in Stuart Broad`s over and scored his fifty of just 12 balls in the 2007 T20 World Cup.

Malik was happy with his form in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 but wants to be more consistent in order to help his team. Malik was adjudged the ‘Player of the Match’ for his unbeaten 54 off just 18 balls, propelling Pakistan to 189/4 in 20 overs. His late blitzkrieg, laced with a four and six sixes, played a crucial hand in Pakistan’s 72-run win over Scotland at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday (November 7).

“Yes I’m in good form but I want to see myself more consistent to help the team. Overall, I feel fit. It is going to be a big game and we have to give our best shot,” said Malik in the post-match presentation ceremony.

Pakistan team celebrate birthday of @HarisRauf14 with @CricketScotland! pic.twitter.com/bDduYboyML — Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 7, 2021

Talking about what was the target in mind at Sharjah, Malik said, “As we have seen in previous games if you don`t lose early wickets you have a chance of putting a good total in the end. We were discussing in our dressing room to at least get 150 and not give too many wickets early on.”

Speaking on adjustments made in batting at Sharjah as compared to other venues, Malik explained, “If you are playing on a good strip, the goal is to take a couple of balls and then start playing your game. On these tracks, you take 6-8 balls and then start playing your game. The win is a big thing. You take all the confidence going deep in the tournament.”

Pakistan’s next match in the tournament is the second semi-final against Australia in Dubai on Thursday (November 11). The 2009 champions enter the knock-out stages as the only unbeaten team from the Super 12 stage.