Sri Lanka enjoyed another explosive batting display in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as captain Dasun Shanakaproduced one of the fastest half-centuries in the nation’s T20I history. In their Group B
clash against Oman, Shanaka raced to 50 runs in just 19 balls, showcasing his trademark power hitting and leadership under pressure in a high-scoring encounter.
Dasun Shanaka smashed 50 off 19 balls
Playing at Pallekele, Shanaka smashed 50 off 19 balls, hammering the Oman attack with 2 fours and 5 towering sixes. His quickfire cameo accelerated Sri Lanka’s innings as they piled up a massive total of 206/5, putting the opposition under immediate scoreboard pressure.
This knock stands among the fastest fifties by a Sri Lankan batter in T20 Internationals, surpassing several long-standing marks. Such a strike rate highlights the aggressive evolution of modern T20 batting, especially in global tournaments where momentum often decides matches.
Quickest Half Centuries for Sri Lanka
Before this blistering effort, the previous fastest fifty for Sri Lanka was also held by Dasun Shanaka, who scored a half-century off 20 balls against India in January 2023. That innings broke the earlier joint record of 21-ball fifties shared by Sri Lankan legends Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara.
Over the years, several Sri Lankan greats such as Sanath Jayasuriya, Kusal Perera, and Kusal Mendis have delivered rapid half-centuries, each memorable for their match-winning impact. However, Shanaka’s latest blitz — reaching fifty even quicker — reflects the growing power-hitting ability within Sri Lanka’s modern T20 setup.
