Nicholas Pooran surpasses Chris Gayle, sets new six-hitting record with explosive knock in CPL 2024

In a dazzling display of power hitting, West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran has rewritten the record books with a breathtaking performance for the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League 2024 (CPL 2024).

Nicholas Pooran’s electrifying knock of 97 runs in a CPL 2024 match between the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots (SKNP) on August 31 has not only left fans in awe but also helped him to break a nine-year-old record held by the legendary Chris Gayle.

Nicholas Pooran shatters Chris Gayle’s record with explosive CPL 2024 knock

His innings were nothing short of spectacular. Facing 43 deliveries, the left-handed batter unleashed a barrage of boundaries, scoring an explosive 97 runs against the SKNP. He smashed an astounding nine sixes and seven fours during his fabulous knock, which propelled him to break Gayle’s long-standing record for the most sixes in a calendar year.

Nicholas Pooran’s colossal hitting shattered Gayle’s 135 sixes achieved in 2015, with the young dynamo now boasting 139 sixes in just 58 T20 matches this year, becoming the player with the most sixes in a calendar year in T20 cricket. The record-breaking moment came in the 12th over when Nicholas Pooran dispatched Tabraiz Shamsi over the leg side for his monstrous sixth six of the night.

Players with the Most Sixes in a Calendar Year in T20 Cricket:

139* – Nicholas Pooran (2024)

135 – Chris Gayle (2015)

121 – Chris Gayle (2012)

116 – Chris Gayle (2011)

112 – Chris Gayle (2016)

101 – Chris Gayle (2017)

101 – Andre Russell (2019)

100 – Chris Gayle (2013)

Notably, Nicholas Pooran reached his fifty in a mere 21 balls, showcasing his blistering pace and skill. With 1844 runs amassed this year, the West Indies hard-hitter is on track to cross the 2000-run mark, cementing his status as one of the most dangerous T20 batters of the era. Meanwhile, Pooran, in 2024, has showcased his explosive batting in several T20 leagues across the globe.

Pooran enjoying a great run in 2024 with the willow

The stylish batter has represented a variety of teams, including the Durban Super Giants in the SA20, Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, MI New York in Major League Cricket (MLC), MI Emirates in the ILT20, Northern Superchargers in the Hundred, Rangpur Riders in the BPL, and the TKR in the CPL, alongside his appearances for the West Indies cricket team.

This year, Pooran has been prolific, amassing 499 runs in the IPL 2024 with 36 sixes. For the West Indies, he has accumulated 384 runs in 13 matches, hitting 34 sixes. Well, Pooran's stellar performance in the third match of the CPL 2024 led the TKR to a commanding victory over SKNP at Warner Park.

Earlier in the CPL 2024 match, TKR set a formidable target of 250 runs for the loss of four wickets in their 20 overs, thanks to Pooran's explosive innings at Warner Park. The TKR bowlers then restricted the SKNP to 206 runs, securing a 44-run win for their team in the ongoing T20 tournament on Saturday.

Apart from Pooran's blistering knock, Keacy Carty also played a crucial role in the TKR’s win with a rapid 73 runs off just 35 balls against the SKNP. His partnership with Pooran, adding 122 runs for the fourth wicket, was instrumental in TKR’s commanding win over SKNP.