Yuvraj Singh's fastest fifty record: 5 batsmen who could break his record

Records are meant to be broken. Sure, that is a cliche for a reason. But some records are almost impossible that to even contemplate breaking it seems a bit premature.One such record is Yuvraj Singh’s record of fastest fifty in a T20I, which he achieved by smashing Stuart Broad for six sixes in an over in the inaugural World T20 in South Africa. Yuvraj’s 12-ball fifty is a record that no one has looked like beating since the day he achieved it.It took a superhuman effort from Colin Munro against Sri Lanka to even get close to the record. And Chris Gayle came even closer as he equalled the record playing for the Melbourne Renegades against Adelaide Strikers.But as they say, records are meant to be broken and these six batsmen stand the best chance of breaking a record that has stood since 2007.

#5 Glenn Maxwell

Maxwell is one of the most destructive middle-order batsmen in the world

At first glance Glenn Maxwell might not seem like the kind of player who destroy attacks at will, but looks can be deceptive and in Maxwell’s case that is certainly true as the Australian packs quite a punch. Just ask Pakistan, who faced the wrath of an on-fire Maxwell as he smashed a T2OI fifty off just 18 balls in 2014.

The Big Show has shown time and again that when he is on song there are few attacks in the world that are capable of stopping him. His ability to hit reverse sweeps for six, coupled with his raw power makes him a potent six-hitter, which is essential, if one is to have any chance of breaking Yuvraj's record.

#4 Jos Buttler

Buttler’s unorthodox ways might help him break this record

He might not have a regular spot in the England Test team, owing to his poor form, but when it comes to the shorter formats, there can be little doubt about Jos Buttler’s place in the side. It is not just because of his ability to play all around the wicket, but also, the courage he displays in ramping fast bowlers and trying all manner of inventive shots.

In the series against Pakistan, he scored the fastest century by an Englishman, beating his own record. Changing attitudes in the England camp has meant Buttler has flourished and his attacking attitude has been encouraged.

While talk of an Englishman beating the fastest fifty record might have been folly a few years ago, with Buttler, it isn’t anymore. And what makes his chances of beating Yuvraj’s record more likely is his ability to access unorthodox areas.

#3 Martin Guptill

Guptill is in record-breaking mood at the moment

Arguably a few months ago, few would have thought Martin Guptill would be one of the reasons why New Zealand will be contenders in the upcoming World T20. But such has been the opener’s devastating form that he storms his way into this list.

After all, it was barely a week ago that he scored a fifty off just 19 balls in a T20 and before that off 17 balls in an ODI. Although he was overshadowed in that T20 by Munro, who got to his half-century off 14, Guptill’s pedigree has certainly been established.

Had Brendon McCullum not retired, he would certainly take his place in this list, but his retirement means his former opening partner takes his place. Given the effortless ease with which he clears the boundary, he might have his sights set on this record sooner rather than later.

#2 AB de Villiers

Can AB add another record to his kitty?

There are few things AB de Villiers, cricket's very own superhero cannot do. He broke the record for the fastest ODI fifty and century in the same innings and his ability to simply break records that few thought would be broken is simply mind-boggling.

So if anyone has a chance of breaking Yuvraj’s near-impossible fastest fifty record then it is AB. Although the South African skipper doesn’t have an especially impressive record in T20Is, as West Indies only know all too well, it doesn’t take much to get him going.

And when he does, no ground is big enough to contain him. One of the main reasons why AB is the best bet is his ability to get going right from the start of his innings and also clear the boundary almost at will, which is something you need, if the current record is to be broken.

#1 Chris Gayle

Will Gayle get his hands on this record?

The leading run-scorer in the T20 format also holds plenty of other records. The fact that he has hit a T20I fifty in 12, 17, 20 and 23 balls is proof that he has hit quick fifties, thereby dispelling the myth that he doesn’t start quickly.

With his side needing to chase 171 in 15.5 overs, Renegades needed Chris Gayle to fire and that is just what he did as he equalled Yuvraj’s record for the fastest fifty in the format.

Arguably the biggest reason why Gayle is one of the top contenders is his ability to hit sixes at will. No matter the size of the ground, such is Gayle’s power that even mis-hits carry over the boundary and his seven sixes off 12 balls en route to his 12-ball fifty is evidence of that.