West Indies opener John Campbell today etched his name into the record books, smashing a sensational half-century off just 29 deliveries against India in the second One Day International at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
The fiery knock saw the 33-year-old left-hander equal the long-standing record held by cricketing icon Sir Vivian Richards for the fastest ODI fifty by a West Indian batter against India.
Campbell’s aggressive intent was evident from the outset, providing a much-needed impetus to the West Indies innings in a must-win game after their defeat in the series opener. Born on September 21, 1993, the 33-year-old Campbell’s innings captivated fans with its blend of power and precision.
Match Context and Series Stakes
The second ODI is a pivotal fixture in the three-match bilateral series, with India currently holding a 1-0 lead. The hosts secured a dominant eight-wicket victory in the first ODI held in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27, where Campbell also contributed a solid 62 runs off 60 balls, reaching his fifty in 49 deliveries. Today’s match, commencing at 2:00 PM IST, offers the West Indies a chance to level the series before it moves to New Chandigarh for the final encounter.
John Campbell’s Record-Equalling Feat
His rapid fifty in Guwahati marks Campbell’s second half-century in ODI cricket. While Matthew Forde holds the record for the fastest overall ODI fifty for the West Indies, achieved in a mere 16 balls against Ireland in May 2025, Campbell’s achievement today is significant for its specific context against India, aligning him with the legendary Sir Viv Richards.
India vs West Indies: Head-to-Head ODI Stats
The rivalry between India and West Indies in One Day Internationals has a rich history, though recent years have seen India assert dominance. Out of 143 matches played between the two nations, India has emerged victorious in 73, while West Indies has won 64. Four matches ended without a result, and two were tied.
| Teams | Matches Played | India Wins | West Indies Wins | No Result | Tied |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India vs West Indies | 143 | 73 | 64 | 4 | 2 |
Notably, the West Indies have not clinched a bilateral ODI series victory against India since 2006, highlighting the challenge they face in the current series. India has also won seven of the last ten ODI encounters between the two sides.
John Campbell’s sensational hitting today underscores the West Indies’ determination to compete fiercely, injecting renewed excitement into the series. His record-equalling knock will undoubtedly be a talking point as the series progresses towards its conclusion.