Jobaaj Stories
Rishabh Pant delivered a sensational performance during the fifth Test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on January 4, 2025. Pant’s blazing 29-ball fifty, which was the second-fastest Test half-century ever scored by an Indian, left cricket fans and experts in awe. His rapid-fire innings came to a thrilling end on 61 runs off just 33 balls, putting India in a dominant position during the second innings.
Setting a New Record on Australian Soil
Pant’s remarkable half-century came in just 29 balls, marking not only the second-fastest Test fifty by an Indian but also the fastest-ever by a visiting batsman on Australian soil. His achievement surpassed the previous record of 33 balls, held by England's John Brown (1895) and West Indies' Roy Fredericks (1975), both of whom had set the benchmark in earlier decades.
Although Pant narrowly missed breaking his own record for the fastest Test fifty by an Indian, set at 28 balls against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru in 2022, his innings was a statement of aggressive intent. Pant’s knock was a combination of fearlessness and precision, which helped India extend their lead significantly in the match.
A Quickfire Half-Century
Pant’s entrance to the crease came after Virat Kohli’s dismissal, and he wasted no time in getting going. His first ball faced was a massive six off Australia’s Scott Boland, signaling his aggressive mindset. From there, Pant unleashed a flurry of boundaries, striking six fours and three sixes during his brief stay at the crease. His fearless strokeplay, especially against Boland and Beau Webster, had the Australian bowlers on the back foot as Pant tore into them with intent.
This aggressive onslaught stood in stark contrast to his more measured approach during the first innings, where Pant scored a solid but patient 40 runs off 98 balls. In the second innings, however, Pant abandoned caution and showcased his natural attacking style, which has made him one of the most exciting players in modern Test cricket.
Almost Breaking His Own Record
At one point during his innings, Pant was on track to break his own record of 28 balls for the fastest Test fifty by an Indian. He had already raced to 47 runs off just 23 balls. However, it took him six more deliveries to reach the 50-run milestone, narrowly missing out on a new record. Despite this, his performance remained one of the fastest and most entertaining knocks in Test history, and it further demonstrated his evolving game.
Setting the Stage for India’s Dominance
Pant’s onslaught was more than just about scoring runs; it played a significant role in putting India in the driver’s seat. His counterattacking style helped India stretch their lead to over 100 runs, making it difficult for Australia to mount a comeback. Critics who had questioned Pant’s shot selection in the previous Test were silenced as he displayed a perfect blend of power hitting and shot selection.
Pant’s knock was a major turning point in the match. While his aggressive innings ultimately came to an end when he was dismissed for 61 off 33 balls, it was clear that his impact had been significant. On a wide delivery from Pat Cummins, Pant attempted to pull the ball but ended up edging it to Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who made no mistake behind the stumps. While his dismissal was a setback for India, the damage was already done, and Australia was left with a lot of work to do in the remainder of the match.
Pat Cummins' Celebration
Pat Cummins, Australia’s captain, couldn’t hide his joy after dismissing Pant, recognizing the importance of removing one of India’s most dangerous batters. Given Pant's rapid progress and destructive nature at the crease, his wicket was a crucial one for Australia. Cummins’ celebration indicated just how much Pant’s innings had put India in a commanding position.
Pant’s Record-Breaking Fifty – A Brief Overview
Pant’s stunning knock was a testament to his growing confidence and ability to turn the game on its head. As he continues to play such explosive cricket, his place in the Indian batting lineup becomes even more integral. Not only does he bring power to the middle order, but his ability to shift momentum in a matter of moments is a key asset for India.
Fastest Fifty in Tests for India – A Look at the Top Performers
Pant’s 29-ball fifty in Sydney is now the second-fastest by an Indian in Test cricket, following his own 28-ball fifty against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru. Here’s a quick look at the fastest Test fifties for India:
- 28 balls: Rishabh Pant vs Sri Lanka, Bengaluru, 2022
- 29 balls: Rishabh Pant vs Australia, Sydney, 2025*
- 30 balls: Kapil Dev vs Pakistan, Karachi, 1982
- 31 balls: Shardul Thakur vs England, The Oval, 2021
- 31 balls: Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Bangladesh, Kanpur, 2024
Conclusion
Rishabh Pant’s 29-ball fifty against Australia at the SCG was a display of pure aggression and skill. Though he fell just short of breaking his own record for the fastest Test fifty by an Indian, his performance is undoubtedly one of the best displays of attacking cricket seen in recent years. It was an innings that not only boosted India’s position in the match but also added another chapter to Pant’s growing legacy in international cricket.
