A New Record for Omarzai
Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai set a new national record by scoring the fastest T20I fifty for Afghanistan. He reached his half-century in just 20 balls against Hong Kong during the Asia Cup 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
This innings also became the fastest T20I Fifty in Asia Cup, showcasing Omarzai’s aggressive batting style.
Omarzai went on to score 53 runs from 21 deliveries, hitting 2 fours and 5 sixes. His explosive knock powered Afghanistan to a strong total and earned him the Player of the Match award.
From Nabi to Omarzai
For years, Mohammad Nabi held Afghanistan’s fastest T20I fifty — reaching it in 21 balls against Ireland back in 2017. Omarzai’s effort has now taken that record away.
Fastest T20I Fifties by Afghanistan
| Player | Balls for Fifty | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azmatullah Omarzai | 20 | Hong Kong | 2025 |
| Mohammad Nabi | 21 | Ireland | 2017 |
| Hazratullah Zazai | 22 | Ireland | 2018 |
Fastest T20I Fifties in Asia Cup
| Player | Balls for Fifty | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azmatullah Omarzai | 20 | Hong Kong | 2025 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 22 | Hong Kong | 2022 |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | 22 | Sri Lanka | 2022 |
Omarzai’s Growing Impact
Omarzai’s innings highlights the increasing pace and power in Afghanistan’s T20 batting. While the record came against a lower-ranked side, it demonstrates his potential to contribute consistently in future matches.
If he can produce similar knocks against stronger opposition, Omarzai has the potential to become an important contributor for Afghanistan in T20 internationals.
