Cricket fans witnessed history at Castle Avenue in Dublin as West Indies’ Matthew Forde delivered an electrifying performance, equaling AB de Villiers’ world record for the fastest fifty in One Day International (ODI) cricket. Forde’s whirlwind knock against Ireland has catapulted him into an elite club, firmly establishing his name among the game’s most explosive hitters.
Forde’s Record-Breaking Innings: How It Unfolded
A Sensational Entry at Number 8
Coming in to bat at number 8 with the West Indies at 246/6 in the 44th over, Forde wasted no time. He unleashed a barrage of boundaries and sixes, reaching his half-century in just 16 balls—matching the record set by South Africa’s AB de Villiers in 2015.
Key Highlights of Forde’s Knock
Fifty in 16 balls: Equaling AB de Villiers’ record for the fastest ODI fifty.
Final score: 58 runs off 19 balls.
Boundary count: 2 fours and 8 sixes, with 56 of his 58 runs coming from boundaries.
Power-hitting display: Smashed four sixes in a single over from Josh Little, taking 26 runs off the 45th over.
Crucial partnership: Added 68 runs in just 25 balls for the seventh wicket with Justin Greaves, who contributed 44 off 36.
Forde’s fireworks propelled the West Indies to a formidable total of 352/8 in 50 overs, setting the tone for a dominant performance.
The Fastest ODI Fifties: Where Forde Stands
Matthew Forde now stands shoulder to shoulder with some of cricket’s biggest names in the list of fastest ODI fifties:
| Balls Taken | Player | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | AB de Villiers | West Indies | 2015 |
| 16 | Matthew Forde | Ireland | 2025 |
| 17 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Pakistan | 1996 |
| 17 | Kusal Perera | Pakistan | 2015 |
| 17 | Martin Guptill | Sri Lanka | 2015 |
| 17 | Liam Livingstone | Netherlands | 2022 |
Forde’s Rise: From Bowler to All-Round Sensation
At just 23, Forde is primarily known as a right-arm medium pacer, but his batting exploits have quickly become the talk of the cricketing world. Before this record-breaking innings, he had already shown glimpses of his ability with a 38-run knock in the first ODI of the series. Since his ODI debut in December 2023, Forde has played nine matches, scoring 100 runs and taking 16 wickets—proving his all-round value.
What This Means for West Indies Cricket
Forde’s explosive innings provides West Indies with a new lower-order weapon, reminiscent of the team’s power-hitting legacy. His ability to change the game in a matter of overs adds depth and unpredictability to the West Indies lineup, making them a more formidable force in limited-overs cricket.
FAQs: Matthew Forde’s Fastest ODI Fifty
1. What record did Matthew Forde equal in the second ODI against Ireland?
Matthew Forde equaled AB de Villiers’ world record for the fastest ODI fifty, reaching his half-century in just 16 balls.
2. How many runs did Forde score in his record-breaking innings?
He scored 58 runs off 19 balls, including 2 fours and 8 sixes.
3. Who else holds the record for the fastest ODI fifty?
AB de Villiers set the original record in 2015, also reaching fifty in 16 balls.
4. What impact did Forde’s innings have on the match?
His quickfire knock helped West Indies post a total of 352/8, giving them a commanding position in the match.
5. Is Matthew Forde primarily a batsman or a bowler?
Forde is primarily a right-arm medium pacer but has proven his batting prowess as a dynamic lower-order hitter.
Conclusion: A New Star Emerges in ODI Cricket
Matthew Forde’s record-equalling fifty has not only etched his name in cricketing history but also signaled the arrival of a new power-hitter for the West Indies. By matching AB de Villiers’ iconic feat, Forde has shown that he is a player to watch—capable of turning games around with breathtaking speed and power. As the cricketing world celebrates this achievement, fans eagerly await what Forde will do next on the international stage.