DHAKA, Dec 31, 2024 (BSS)- Khulna Tigers batter Mahidul Islam Ankon has set
the record for the fastest 50 by a Bangladesh batter in the BPL and in any
recognized T20 cricket today during his side's match against Chittagong Kings
at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

The wicketkeeper batter of Khulna Tigers reached his 50 off just 18 balls and
eventually was unbeaten on 22 ball-59 with one four and six sixes, steering
Khulna to a massive 203-4.

Ankon has broken the record of Rony Talukder who had reached half-century in
19 balls for Rangpur Riders against Cumilla Victorians at the same venue in
January 2023.

Not only in the BPL, Ankon has also set the record for the fastest 50 by a
Bangladesh batter in a recognized T20 cricket and in this case, he is the
joint fastest with Liton Das who also blasted a fifty off 18 balls against
Ireland in Chattogram in 2023.

Ankon's 50, however, is overall the third fastest 50 in the BPL history. Only
two players have scored half-century, playing fewer balls than him. Pakistani
batter Ahmed Shehzad scored a 50 off 16 balls against Duronto Rajshahi in
Mirpur in 2012. Sunil Narine broke that record in 2022 as the West Indies
allrounder smashed his 50 off 13 balls for Cumilla Victorians against
Chattogram Challengers.

Apart from Ankon, two others have scored 18-ball 50s in the BPL. In 2023,
Comilla Victorians' Khushdil Shah against Dhaka Dominators and in 2022,
Chattogram Challengers' Will Jacks against Sylhet Sunrisers.