Rohit Sharma's T20 World Cup Feat Equalled As Aiden Markram Shatters Records Vs NZ

Aiden Markram and Rohit Sharma - (Source: X.com)

South Africa skipper Aiden Markram scripted history on Saturday, February 14, as he slammed the fastest fifty for the Proteas in T20 World Cup history. Notably, Markram took on New Zealand bowlers and reached the milestone in just 19 deliveries.

With the feat, Markram went on to break a plethora of records and also matched Rohit Sharma’s legacy with his innings at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Aiden Markram Equals Rohit Sharma’s Feat

Notably, Markram has equalled Rohit’s record for the fastest fifty by a captain in the history of T20 World Cup history. The Hitman earlier held the record for his 19-ball 50 against Australia in T20 World Cup 2024. Here is the complete list.

Fastest 50 in T20 World Cup as a Captain (by balls)

• 19 - Rohit Sharma🇮🇳 v 🇦🇺,2024
• 19 - Dasun Shanaka🇱🇰 v 🇴🇲,2026
• 19 - Aiden Markram🇿🇦 v 🇳🇿,2026*
• 20 - Mohammad Ashraful🇧🇩 v 🏝️,2007
• 21 - Mahela Jayawardene🇱🇰 v 🇰🇪,2007

Markram Slams Fastest 50 in T20 World Cup History for South Africa

Notably, Markram also broke Quinton de Kock's record for the fastest 50 in the history of T20 World Cup for South Africa. Previously, the southpaw held the record for slamming a half-century in 21 balls. Notably, De Kock held the record for 10 years when he registered the feat against England at the Wankhede Stadium. Here is the complete list.

Fastest 50s for South Africa in T20 WCs (By Balls):

• 19 – Aiden Markram vs New Zealand, Ahmedabad, 2026, Tonight*
• 21 – Quinton de Kock vs England, Mumbai, 2016
• 22 – Quinton de Kock vs England, Gros Islet, 2024
• 23 – AB de Villiers vs England, Mumbai, 2014
• 23 – Heinrich Klaasen vs India, Bridgetown, 2024
• 23 – Ryan Rickelton vs Afghanistan, Ahmedabad, 2026

Overall, Quinton de Kock still holds the record for fastest T20I fifty by South Africa, but Aiden Markram has now moved to 2nd on the list.

Fastest 50s for South Africa in T20Is:

• 15 – Quinton de Kock vs West Indies, Centurion, 2023
• 16 – Marco Jansen vs India, Centurion, 2024
• 17 – Quinton de Kock vs England, Durban, 2020
• 19 – Tristan Stubbs vs England, Bristol, 2022
• 19 – Aiden Markram vs New Zealand, Ahmedabad, 2026, Tonight*
• 21 – AB de Villiers vs England, Johannesburg, 2016

Aiden Markram's knock help South Africa extend great run vs New Zealand

At the time of writing this article, South Africa have put 120/2 after just 10.2 overs and are well in the driver's seat in this match. Notably, Markram is unbeaten on 65 (27) and with his knock, South Africa can extend their record of not losing a T20 World Cup game against New Zealand.

Further, with three wins in three matches, South Africa will also put a foot in the super 8 stage and might just become the first out of the 20 teams to do so. Also, the performance comes days after their horror show against Afghanistan at the same venue.