Prema Rawat creates world record with fastest-ever fifty in women’s T20 cricket

Prema Rawat creates world record with fastest-ever fifty in women’s T20 cricket

Prema Rawat Smashes Women’s T20 Record With 14-Ball Fifty

Uttarakhand all-rounder Prema Rawat produced a remarkable display of power-hitting in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, reaching her half-century in just 14 deliveries to set a new record for the fastest fifty in women’s T20 cricket. Her explosive innings helped Uttarakhand defeat Hyderabad by 89 runs at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Gahunje, Pune.

The 24-year-old finished unbeaten on 50 from 14 balls, striking six fours and four sixes at a stunning strike rate of 357.14. Rawat’s innings transformed an already strong Uttarakhand total into a commanding one and earned her the Player of the Match award. She also contributed with the ball, taking two wickets to cap an outstanding all-round performance.

Rawat Breaks the Previous 15-Ball Record

Before Rawat’s innings, the fastest half-century in women’s T20 cricket had been scored in 15 balls. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana reached the milestone in that time, while England’s Marie Kelly had previously set the benchmark with a 15-ball fifty for Warwickshire against Gloucestershire in 2022. New Zealand batter Laura Harris later matched the mark for Otago against Canterbury in 2025.

Rawat’s 14-ball effort now stands alone at the top of the overall women’s T20 record list. The achievement is especially striking because it came in a domestic competition, where performances can be less visible to international audiences but often provide a platform for emerging players to demonstrate their ability.

Her innings was not simply a matter of hitting boundaries. At a strike rate above 350, Rawat made the most of a brief opportunity at the crease, finding gaps and clearing the ropes as Uttarakhand accelerated towards a formidable total. The record also adds another notable chapter to the growing list of high-impact performances in India’s women’s domestic game.

Domestic T20 Record Versus International Record

Rawat now owns the fastest fifty in women’s T20 cricket overall, but the record for the quickest half-century in a Women’s T20 International remains with Fatima Sana. The distinction matters because domestic T20 matches and international fixtures are tracked separately, with different record categories for each level of the game.

Sophie Devine of New Zealand, Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield and India’s Richa Ghosh have each scored a Women’s T20I half-century in 18 balls. Ghosh holds the record for the fastest fifty by an Indian batter in women’s T20 international cricket. Rawat’s domestic record may now prompt fresh discussion about whether she can translate her striking form into opportunities at the highest level.

Any prediction about a player’s international future should be made cautiously: one outstanding innings does not guarantee selection. Still, Rawat’s combination of aggressive batting and useful bowling gives selectors and fans a compelling performance to assess as the domestic season continues.

Raghvi Bisht Anchors Uttarakhand’s Big Total

Rawat’s late assault was built on a strong foundation from Uttarakhand’s top order. After winning the toss and choosing to bat, the team made a confident start through captain Raghvi Bisht and Kareena. The pair added 72 runs for the opening wicket, giving Uttarakhand a stable platform before the innings gathered pace.

Kareena contributed 44, while Bisht played the leading role at the top of the order, scoring 72 from 50 balls. Her innings included five fours and four sixes, combining measured stroke play with timely aggression. Bisht’s contribution ensured that Uttarakhand had plenty of momentum before Rawat’s rapid finish lifted the scoring rate further.

Uttarakhand closed on 187 for two from 20 overs. The total reflected a balanced innings: a productive opening partnership, a substantial captain’s knock and a remarkable burst of late hitting. Rawat’s unbeaten fifty gave the team a powerful finish and left Hyderabad facing a demanding chase.

Hyderabad Unable to Keep Pace in the Chase

Hyderabad’s reply never developed into a serious challenge. The side lost wickets regularly and struggled to build the partnerships needed to stay close to the required rate. Gugulothu Kavyasree top-scored with 25, but the rest of the batting line-up could not provide enough support.

Hyderabad finished on 98 for eight in its 20 overs, falling 89 runs short. Uttarakhand’s disciplined bowling complemented its strong batting display, while Rawat’s two wickets added further value to her match-winning contribution.

A Milestone for Rawat and Women’s Domestic Cricket

Rawat’s record arrives amid growing interest in women’s cricket, fuelled by India’s major international successes and the popularity of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). The league has helped introduce new audiences to the sport and provided a high-profile stage for players who may previously have been known mainly within domestic cricket.

Rawat represents Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the WPL, connecting her domestic record-breaking performance with one of the competition’s widely followed teams. The league’s visibility can help emerging cricketers gain recognition, while domestic tournaments such as the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy remain essential for developing match experience and identifying future talent.

For Uttarakhand, the result was a comprehensive team victory. For Rawat, it was a career-defining day: a world-record 14-ball half-century, an unbeaten finish, two wickets and the Player of the Match award. Her innings will stand as a landmark moment in women’s T20 cricket—and a reminder that the next major breakthrough can emerge from the domestic game.

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