Record shattered! Shimron Hetmyer breaks Chris Gayle's long-standing 17-year-old T20 World Cup milestone
Times of India
by TOI SPORTS DESKFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Shimron Hetmyer made history by shattering Chris Gayle's 17-year-old record for the fastest half-century in West Indies cricket during the T20 World Cup. Playing at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, Hetmyer smashed a remarkable 19-ball fifty, breaking Gayle's previous mark of 23 balls set against Australia in 2009. This achievement not only showcased Hetmyer's explosive batting but also reaffirmed the West Indies' reputation for fearless power hitting.
While Hetmyer's performance was groundbreaking, it didn't surpass Yuvraj Singh's world record of a 12-ball fifty in the inaugural T20 World Cup. However, Hetmyer's feat cemented his place as one of the most dynamic batsmen in the tournament. His previous record of a 22-ball fifty against Scotland further highlighted his consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
Hetmyer's assault at Wankhede was more than just a statistical milestone—it demonstrated the evolution of T20 cricket and the importance of adaptability. His performance, along with Gayle's legendary innings in 2009, underscores how records are meant to be broken, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the global stage.
This achievement matters to readers interested in world-class sportsmanship as it highlights the relentless pursuit of excellence in cricket. Hetmyer's record-breaking knock not only elevated his status as a key player for the West Indies but also showcased the thrilling nature of modern T20 cricket, captivating fans worldwide and setting new standards for future generations of players.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/23/2026