Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world, and the ICC World T20 is one of the most prestigious cricket events globally. In 2007, during the inaugural edition of the tournament held in South Africa, one Indian batsman created history by scoring a half-century in just 12 balls. This remarkable feat has become a part of cricketing folklore and is still talked about by cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
The Batsman
The Indian batsman who achieved this incredible feat is Yuvraj Singh. He was already an established player in the Indian cricket team at that time, known for his explosive batting and sharp fielding skills. Yuvraj Singh’s performance in the 2007 World T20 was nothing short of exceptional, and his 12-ball fifty against England in the group stage match is a standout moment in the tournament’s history.
The Match
The match between India and England was played on September 19, 2007, at the Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Durban, South Africa. England batted first and scored 200 runs in their allotted 20 overs, setting a challenging target for India. India’s chase started poorly as they lost their first wicket in the second over with just 7 runs on the board.
Yuvraj’s Innings
Yuvraj Singh came to bat at number 4 and immediately showed his intent by hitting the first ball he faced for a six over mid-wicket. The next six balls saw him hit four more sixes and a four, taking his score to 36 off just six balls. In the seventh over, he hit another four and then smashed Andrew Flintoff for six sixes in the next six balls, becoming the first player in T20 history to achieve this feat.
Yuvraj’s innings of 58 runs off 16 balls included seven sixes and three fours and is still considered one of the greatest T20 innings ever played. He was eventually dismissed in the 14th over, but by then, he had all but sealed the victory for India.
Impact
Yuvraj’s innings not only helped India win the match but also became a defining moment in the tournament’s history. His 12-ball fifty broke the previous record of the fastest fifty in T20 cricket, held by Sanath Jayasuriya of Sri Lanka, who scored a fifty in 17 balls. Yuvraj’s innings also catapulted him to global fame and cemented his place as one of the most destructive batsmen in world cricket.