T20 cricket is all about explosive batting, with players aiming to score runs at a blistering pace. However, amidst the flurry of boundaries and sixes, there have been instances where batsmen have taken their time to accumulate runs. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 5 slowest fifties in T20 cricket till the year 2023. These innings may not have set the stage on fire, but they are a testament to the fact that patience and technique can still have a place in the shortest format of the game.

1. Shoaib Malik - 58(45) - Pakistan vs. England, 2020

   Shoaib Malik, a veteran of the game, showed his class in a T20 match against England in 2020. Chasing a target of 196, Malik played a composed innings, scoring an unbeaten 58 off 45 balls. His innings was characterized by precision and calculated stroke-play rather than power hitting. Malik's ability to rotate the strike and find the gaps in the field played a pivotal role in Pakistan's victory that day.

2. Hashim Amla - 97(62) - South Africa vs. England, 2017

   Hashim Amla, known for his elegance and grace, displayed his skills in a remarkable innings against England in 2017. While batting for South Africa, Amla scored an unbeaten 97 off 62 balls. His innings was a masterclass in timing and placement, with only three boundaries and four sixes. Amla's innings is a testament to the fact that you don't always need to rely on power-hitting in T20 cricket.

3. Kane Williamson - 50(48) - New Zealand vs. India, 2022

   Kane Williamson, the New Zealand skipper, is renowned for his ability to adapt to various formats of the game. In a T20 clash against India in 2022, he played a patient innings, scoring an unbeaten 50 off 48 balls. Williamson anchored the innings, ensuring that his team reached a respectable total. His knock may not have been flashy, but it was crucial in New Zealand's victory.

4. Rahul Dravid - 51(42) - Rajasthan Royals vs. Mumbai Indians, 2011

   Rahul Dravid, often associated with classical Test batting, surprised everyone with his T20 innings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2011. Playing for the Rajasthan Royals, Dravid scored an unbeaten 51 off 42 balls against the Mumbai Indians. His innings was a testament to his adaptability and the importance of playing according to the situation.

5. Misbah-ul-Haq - 56(47) - Pakistan vs. India, 2007

   Misbah-ul-Haq's innings in the final of the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 against India deserves a special mention. While chasing a modest target of 157, Misbah played a calculated innings, scoring 56 off 47 balls. Though Pakistan lost the match by a narrow margin, Misbah's innings showcased the importance of temperament and playing the waiting game in pressure situations.

Conclusion

T20 cricket is known for its aggressive and high-scoring nature, but these innings prove that there is still a place for patience and classical stroke-play in the shortest format of the game. These batsmen have shown that sometimes, taking your time to build an innings can be just as effective as hitting boundaries at will. These slow fifties may not have broken records for the fastest fifty, but they have left a lasting impact on the sport, reminding us that cricket is a game of balance and adaptability.