IND vs NZ: Shreyas Iyer's half-century helps him surpass Ian Chappell to create world record

India batsman Shreyas Iyer's good form continued as he slammed a fine half-century against New Zealand in the third and final ODI at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

With this half-century, Iyer has now slammed eight fifties and one century in 17 matches with an average of 49 while his strike rate is better than run-a-ball. 

The 50 has now helped Iyer surpass former Australia cricketer Ian Chappell’s mark to set a new world record.

Iyer now holds the record for the best percentage of 50+ scores in ODIs. The right-hander has nine 50+ scores in 16 innings in the 50-over format and his percentage reads 56.25. 

Earlier, Chappell, who held the record, had eight 50+ scores in 16 innings.

The highest percentage of 50+ scores (min. 10 innings):

56.2 (9/16): Shreyas Iyer (IND)

50.0 (8/16): Ian Chappell (AUS)

50.0 (5/10): Aaqib Ilyas (OMN)

44.5 (8/18): Anshuman Rath (HK)

43.7 (7/16): Rassie van der Dussen (SA)

Iyer has even for now eliminated the discussion on the most debated No. 4 slot. The side experimented with MS Dhoni, Rishabh Pant, Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh Karthik in recent times but Iyer seems to have consolidated his spot.

Since 2019, Iyer also has the 5th best batting average among all the players who have batted at least 5 innings at No. 4 position in the ODIs across the world.