World Cup Record: Brendon McCullum hits fastest fifty

Wellington, Feb 20: New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum (77) on Friday scored the fastest half century in World Cup history. (Full list of records set in this match)

; World Cup Special; Shortest WC matches

McCullum blasted an 18-ball fifty against England in their Pool A match of ICC World Cup 2015 at Westpac Stadium here today. The previous record (50 off 20 against Canada in 2007) was also in his name. New Zealand thrashed England by 8 wickets with 224 balls remaining.

Today's mark is the third fastest half century in ODI history after AB de Villiers (16 balls) and Sanath Jayasuriya (17).

This was after Tim Southee had annihilated England with a record equalling 7-wicket haul. England were skittled out for just 123. And in the run chase, opener McCullum came out all guns blazing.

He did not spare any bowler and went on the rampage from the first ball. He got the record with a six off Steven Finn in the 6th over. McCullum opened his scoring with single off James Anderson on the last ball of the opening over. He had only 3 singles in entire innings and remaining 74 came in boundaries.

McCullum's assault also included 4 consecutive sixes in the same over off Finn where he reached the milestone. Finn's opening two overs were ransacked for 49 runs. McCullum plundered Finn for 44 runs from his 10 balls (2x4, 6x6, 2 dot balls).

He was finally dismissed bowled by a Chris Woakes full toss for a sensational 25-ball 77 with 8 fours and 7 sixes at a whopping strike rate of 308.00. This was McCullum's 29th ODI half century in 243rd match.

This strike rate is the second best in World Cup history after James Franklin's 387.50 (31 not out off 8 balls) against Canada in 2011.

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