Explosive batter Nicholas Pooran has etched his name in the record books by becoming the highest run-scorer for the West Indies in T20 internationals, surpassing the legendary Chris Gayle.
Pooran achieved this milestone during the ICC T20 World Cup match against New Zealand at Tarouba, adding another accolade to his impressive career.
Pooran’s Record-Breaking Knock
During the game, Pooran scored 17 runs off 12 balls, hitting three boundaries. Although his performance with the bat was modest, it was enough to break Gayle’s long-standing record.
Pooran now holds the top spot with 1,914 runs in 91 T20I matches, boasting an average of 25.52 and a strike rate of 134.03. His highest score remains 82, and he has notched up 11 half-centuries throughout his T20I career.
Comparing Legends: Pooran vs Gayle
Chris Gayle, a giant in T20 cricket, previously held the record with 1,899 runs in 79 matches. Gayle’s average was 27.92, with a strike rate of 137.50, including two centuries and 14 half-centuries. His highest score in T20Is is an impressive 117. Given the high standard that Chris Gayle, one of the best in the format, has set, Pooran’s accomplishment is noteworthy.
Match Recap: West Indies vs New Zealand
New Zealand won the toss and put the West Indies to the test first in the match at the Brian Lara Stadium. At one point, the team faced a challenging situation as they found themselves reduced to 30/5.
However, Sherfane Rutherford’s valiant half-century (68* off 39 balls, with two fours and six sixes) helped the West Indies post a competitive total of 149/9 in 20 overs.
New Zealand’s Bowling Performance
The Kiwi bowlers showcased a strong performance, with Trent Boult leading the attack by claiming 3/16. Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson also made significant contributions, taking 2/21 and 2/27, respectively. Mitchell Santner and James Neesham chipped in with one wicket each.
Top T20I Run-Scorers for West Indies
- Nicholas Pooran – 1,914 runs in 91 matches, highest score 82
- Chris Gayle – 1,899 runs in 79 matches, highest score 117
- Marlon Samuels – 1,611 runs in 67 matches, highest score 89*
- Kieron Pollard – 1,569 runs in 101 matches, highest score 75*
- Lendl Simmons – 1,527 runs in 68 matches, highest score 91*
The Path Ahead for New Zealand
For New Zealand, this match was a must-win to stay in the tournament. A defeat would eliminate them from the competition and secure spots in the Super 8 for the West Indies and Afghanistan.
To bolster their chances, the Kiwis made three changes to their playing XI, bringing in Tim Southee, Jimmy Neesham, and Rachin Ravindra.
Nicholas Pooran’s achievement is a testament to his consistency and skill in the T20 format. Surpassing Chris Gayle’s record is no small feat and marks a significant milestone in Pooran’s career. As the T20 World Cup progresses, fans will eagerly watch how Pooran and the West Indies continue to perform.
The information is taken from Times of India and MSN
