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3 popular players who have scored a half-century within 30 minutes in Tests

30 minutes is a long time in a T20 batting inning. If you consider it from the start, 30 minutes is usually the time required to complete the powerplay. In a format that has only 20 overs, a batter scoring a half-century within the powerplay is very rare. Of course, in the death overs, we have seen batters achieving the feat in a lot lesser time. Therefore, from this perspective, scoring a Test fifty within 30 minutes is a big thing. Especially against the red ball, the task is harder. That said, a few players have managed to do it, so far. On that note, here, we take a look at three popular players who have scored a half-century within 30 minutes in Tests.

1) Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan) – 24 minutes

Balls: 21 || Opposition: Australia || Venue: Abu Dhabi || Year: 2014

The fastest half-century in Tests is recorded by former Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq. He also holds the record for scoring the quickest half-century by minutes.

Pakistan already had Australia on the mat and it was a matter of getting some quick runs. Misbah brought out his big-hitting capabilities to hit a quick-fire hundred. This fifty of 24 minutes came in this brilliant knock.

2) Mohammad Ashraful (Bangladesh) – 27 minutes

Balls: 26 || Opposition: India || Venue: Mirpur || Year: 2007

Mohammad Ashraful is one of the popular players who have scored a half-century within 30 minutes in Tests. In the Mirpur Test in 2007, the top 4 of India got a hundred in the first innings. The team managed a massive score of 610.

Ashraful was duck-out in the first innings and his team got all-out for just 118. They had to follow on and they lost quick wickets again. Ashraful had the license to score quickly and he ended up making 67 runs in 41 balls. Yet, Bangladesh could not avoid the innings defeat.

3) Salim Durani (India)  – 29 minutes

Balls: Not recorded || Opposition: England || Venue: Kanpur || Year: 1964

While we have seen many Indian-born cricketers represent other nations, the opposite scenario is very less. Salim Durani falls in that rare category. He was born in Afghanistan and went on to play 29 Tests for India.

Although he was notable for his big hits, it was with the ball that Salim Durani had a better impact. In his career, he took a total of 75 useful wickets. In the game against England in 1964, India was struggling to avoid an innings defeat. However, India had got some runs in the second innings and needed a few more of them in quick time to consolidate their position. Hence, Salim was promoted to No.5 and he scored 61 runs to ensure India was safe. He had got the half-century in just 29 minutes in this case.

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