India vs England 2021: Krunal Pandya smashes the fastest fifty by a debutant in ODI history

India vs England 2021: Krunal Pandya smashes the fastest fifty by a debutant in ODI history

Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya who made his debut today in the first ODI between India and England made excellent use of the chance that he got and capitalized with a fifty for the ages. India decided to hand debuts to Krunal as well as Prasidh Krishna – two players who had received just their first call-up to ODIs. With the hosts having been put in to bat, it was the former’s time to shine as he came up with a crucial knock.

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The first ODI is currently underway in Pune and India rode on brilliant half-centuries from Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli to look set for a big score. The former was unlucky to miss out on a hundred as he fell just two runs short. Following the duo’s dismissals, India looked like they were in for a slump and a sub-300 total. But a superb partnership between KL Rahul and Krunal took India to an excellent score.

Krunal Pandya raises the fastest 50 by a debutant

Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya came in to bat late in the Indian innings following the cheap dismissal of his brother, Hardik Pandya. Joining a set KL Rahul who was looking a bit tentative at the crease, the southpaw upped the ante with some crisp shots down the legside and one exemplary cover-drive through the off-side. Rahul too joined in the party and started freeing up following Krunal’s showings.

The 30-year-old all-rounder brought up his fifth in the 49th over with a single down the leg-side. Krunal was absolutely pumped as he roared out and raised his bat to the skies paying tribute to his late father who passed away in January. Virat Kohli as well as brother Hardik were extremely pleased for the left-hander and made their happiness known.

Krunal’s fifty was the fastest ever by a debutant in ODI history as he brought it up in 26 balls. The previous fastest was by Jon Morris of New Zealand in 1990 who got a fifty in 35 balls.

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