5 Fastest fifties in Test cricket

#1 Misbah-ul-Haq (Balls faced - 21)

Misbah-ul-Haq smashed Australian bowlers for a beautiful century

Misbah-Ul-Haq will be remembered forever by the cricketing fraternity for his heroics in the finals of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007. He got the team so close to the target single-handedly but failed to close out. In test cricket, he was known for his calmness and played with highest level of concentration. He led the Pakistan team to number one in test rankings and will forever be recognized as one of the greatest skippers of all-time for Pakistan.

Pakistan were up against Australia for a 2-test series in 2014. In the first test, Pakistan routed the visitors by 221 runs. Misbah had a good game and scored a half-century in the one innings that he got to bat. The focus shited to Abu Dhabi for the second test.

Batting first, Pakistan lost wickets in quick succession and were reduced to 96-2. Then, Younis Khan and Misbah went on to add 236-runs for the third wicket. Because of their partnership, Pakistan finished the innings with a mammoth total of 570-6 declared. Misbah registered a century, scoring 101 off 168. Younis Khan smashed a double-century and finished with 213 off 349 balls. In reply, Australia got all-out for just 261 runs.

Pakistan came out to bat for the second time with a huge lead of 309 runs. Misbah came out to bat at 152-3 and wrecked havoc on the opposition bowlers. He picked up from where he left in the first innings and scored the fastest fifty in test cricket, only in 21 balls. The Pakistani skipper remained unbeaten on 101 off 57 with 11 fours and 5 sixes before declaring in their second innings. This was a very unusual knock from someone who usually preferred to not take risk.

This strong performance resulted in an emphatic victory and Pakistan clinched the series 2-0. Younis Khan was awarded the Man of the Series for 3 centuries in 4 innings.