Nicholas Pooran, the West Indies batsman, etched his name in the record books during a thrilling Caribbean Premier League (CPL) match on Saturday. Playing for the Trinbago Knight Riders, Pooran launched an astonishing nine sixes in his 43-ball knock of 97 against the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, leading his team to a convincing 44-run victory. This spectacular performance saw him surpass the legendary Chris Gayle’s record for the most T20 sixes in a single calendar year.
Pooran’s six-hitting prowess in 2024 has been truly remarkable. He has now blasted 139 maximums, surpassing Gayle’s previous record of 135 sixes set in 2015. Gayle himself holds the next two spots on the all-time list, with 121 sixes in 2012 and 116 in 2011, solidifying his legacy as a T20 powerhouse.
Pooran’s dominance in 2024 extends far beyond just hitting sixes. He has amassed an incredible 1,844 runs in the year, placing him third on the list for most T20 runs in a calendar year. He trails Alex Hales (1,946 runs in 2022) and Mohammad Rizwan (record holder with 2,036 runs in 2021) in this prestigious category.
In the CPL match against the Patriots, Pooran’s explosive innings propelled the Trinbago Knight Riders to a formidable total of 250/4. The Knight Riders then successfully restricted the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots to 206/8, securing a comfortable win.
Pooran’s record-breaking feat is a testament to his exceptional power-hitting abilities and consistency across various franchise leagues and international cricket in 2024. He continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of T20 cricket, leaving his mark on the sport with his relentless pursuit of big hits and impressive run-scoring feats.
