West indies wicketkeeper-batsman Nicholas Pooran has shattered the world record for most runs in a calendar year in T20 cricket, surpassing the previous record set by Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan in 2021.
His 15-ball 27 for Trinbago Knight Riders against Barbados Royals in the 2024 Caribbean Premier League, took his total to 2,059 runs, breaking Rizwan’s record of 2,036.
Pooran’s tally comprises runs scored in T20 internationals (T20Is), franchise leagues, and domestic T20 matches. The Trinidadian achieved the feat after playing for various teams, including Durban Super Giants, Lucknow Super Giants, MI Emirates, MI New York, Northern Super Chargers, Rangpur Riders and West Indies.
In comparison, Rizwan plundered 2,036 runs from 45 innings , boasting an impressive average of 56.66 at a strike rate of 132.03, including one century and 18 fifties.
Pooran, however, has surpassed that figure in 65 innings at an average of over 42 but at an explosive strike rate of 160.63. Despite not yet scoring a century in 2024, he has managed 14 fifties, including multiple scores in the 90s.
This marks the third year that Pooran has surpassed 1,000 runs in T20s, having done so previously in 2019 and 2023.
He is well ahead of the competition for most T20 runs in 2024. South Africa’s Reeza Hendricks is second with 1,555 runs from 47 innings, followed by Pakistan’s Babar Azam with 1,480 runs in 35 innings. Australian opener Travis Head trails with 1,442 runs from 39 innings.
In the meantime, TKR (175 for 5) secured a 30-run victory over the Royals who were held to 145 for 9, at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad.
The defeat saw the Royals end their group stage campaign in fourth place on 10 points.
The victory takes TKR to 12 points in third place with one match to play against defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence in Guyana on Sunday.
