Half a century in just 18 balls: Brendon McCullum makes Cricket World Cup history

Brendon McCullum rains on England. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum has smashed his own World Cup batting record at Westpac Stadium in Wellington today.

McCullum reached his half century against England in just 18 balls.

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That is the quickest 50 in cup history, eclipsing his own record of 20 balls against Canada at St Lucia during the 2007 tournament.

He also broke his own New Zealand record for the fastest 50, having completed the half century in 19 balls twice, most recently against Sri Lanka in Christchurch in January.

South African AB de Villiers holds the record for the fastest ODI 50 at 16 balls, set against the West Indies at Johannesburg last month.

The record came just after teammate Tim Southee produced the best bowling figures by a New Zealander in a one-day internationals and the sixth best in history with seven for 33 in nine overs.

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