John Campbell breaks Chris Gayle's 24-year-old record for fastest ODI fifty by WI batter vs India

West Indies opener John Campbell launched a brutal onslaught against a relatively inexperienced Indian pace-bowling lineup in the second ODI of the series at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. Campbell scored the fastest ODI fifty by a West Indies batter against India from 29 balls breaking legendary Chris Gayle's long-standing record.

Gayle had scored a fifty from just 30 balls against India in an ODI 24 years ago in Ahmedabad. In 2019, he reached his fifty from just 30 balls against India in Port of Spain as well.

ALSO READ: No Agarkar in selection committee's meeting with Gambhir during West Indies series, this selector takes charge

Earlier, India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to bowl first. Campbell hit just one boundary in the first over bowled by Prasidh Krishna, facing five dot deliveries. His new opening partner Keacy Carty, replacing an injured Justin Greaves, departed for a single-digit score. Campbell attacked debutant Auqib Nabi who did not find enough movement with the new ball to attack the batter. 

ALSO READ: BCCI's message to Test players ahead of New Zealand tour: Gill, Rahul & others told to play Ranji Trophy

In the seventh over, Campbell went after Krishna with a six and three fours. He often hit through the line not looking to keep the ball down. Taking the aerial route and the fast outfield in Guwahati helped him as he used the fast outfield as well. In the eighth over, Gurnoor Brar was introduced into the attack. He hit Brar for a six over deep fine leg to complete his half-century.

2nd on the trot for Campbell

This is Campbell's second consecutive fifty-plus score in the ongoing ODI series. Before the India tour, his previous fifty-plus ODI score came in 2019 when he scored 179 against Ireland. 

Campbell breaks another record 

Campbell went on to completed his century from 65 balls, the fastest by a West Indies batter against India. The previous record belonged to Richardo Powell from 72 balls. He achieved the feat in 1999. Overall, Campbell entered the top five of fastest ODI hundred by a West Indies batter. The top spot belongs to Brian Lara (45 balls) followed by Gayle (55 balls), Evin Lewis (61 balls) and Nicholas Pooran (65 balls).

Campbell scored his second ODI century after a long wait of 2,705 days. This is the fifth-longest gap between first and ODI centuries among full-member squads.

On the first ball of the 19th over, Brar ended Campbell's stay at the crease. Campbell was caught at deep square leg by Naman Dhir. He scored 101 runs from 68 balls. His knock was laced with nine fours and five sixes. When he departed, West Indies were 147/2 after 18.1 overs.