Matthew Forde, a 23-year-old pacer from the West Indies, made history in Dublin with the bat, not the ball. He smashed the fastest half-century in men’s ODI history, reaching the milestone in just 16 deliveries. With that, he joined South Africa’s AB de Villiers, who set the mark against the West Indies back in 2015. Forde, usually known for his pace, turned aggressor with the bat, tearing through Ireland’s bowling lineup in the second ODI of the series. Coming in during the 43rd over, Forde wasted no time. He launched a six off only his second ball. Then came the real carnage. Facing Josh Little—once part of the Gujarat Titans in the IPL—Forde unleashed four consecutive sixes in a single over. The ball flew to all parts, leaving the Irish bowlers stunned and the fielders helpless. His blade did the talking again in the 46th over, as he carved Thomas Mayes for another six and two boundaries. MATHEW FORDE EQUALLED AB DE VILLIERS' FASTEST ODI FIFTY RECORD.- A half century in 16 balls. 🤯pic.twitter.com/sxD2EpLX9P — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 23, 2025 Read also: Pujara Picks All-Time India Test XI, Excludes Himself at No. 3 Batting Blitz Lifts West Indies to Strong Total By the end of the 46th over, Forde had already hammered 43 runs off just 13 balls. A record looked imminent. Though he missed a ramp on the first ball of the 47th, he made up for it instantly—clearing the ropes on the next two deliveries. His 50 came in 16 balls, matching de Villiers’ long-standing record. Forde didn’t last much longer, falling in the same over, but his fireworks lifted the West Indies to 352 for 8. His 58-run knock came from just 19 deliveries and included eight towering sixes and two crisp fours. A staggering 56 of his runs came through boundaries. Before the blitz, Keacy Carty anchored the innings with a steady 102 from 109 balls. Skipper Shai Hope added 49 from 57. The performance was timely, coming after a heavy 124-run loss in the first ODI, where West Indies were dismissed for 179 chasing 310. Forde’s late explosion has not only drawn comparisons but also restored balance in the series. However, the match between Ireland and West Indies got abandoned without Ireland batting for a single ball.