Kieron Pollard reclaims T20 world record for most runs, surpasses Jos Buttler with 5 sixes in 65-run knock

West Indies’ veteran all-rounder Kieron Pollard has reclaimed the record for most runs in T20 cricket history (including T20Is, domestic T20s and franchise T20s). Pollard smashed five sixes in his 65-run knock in a losing cause for Trinbago Knight Riders against Saint Lucia Kings in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026 clash. Pollard surpassed England’s Jos Buttler who had broken the Caribbean all-rounder’s record during the Men’s Hundred 2026 competition while leading Manchester Super Giants to their maiden title win.

Buttler has 14,890 runs from 526 T20s at an average of 35.36 and strike rate of 147.25 including nine tons and 106 fifties. Before the match against Kings, Pollard needed 35 runs to surpass the Englishman. After the match, he has 14,921 runs from 749 games. The veteran all-rounder has 2 centuries. The half-century against Kings was 71st of his career.

ALSO READ: Ravindra Jadeja's shocking no-ball crisis, 88 oversteps since 2021 and counting in Tests

With Knight Riders' six league stage games remaining, Pollard will have plenty of innings to become first batter to 15,000 T20 runs. He needs 79 more runs to achieve the colossal feat. Also, he can extend his lead over Buttler if Knight Riders reach the playoffs and the final. 

ALSO READ: Former South Africa captain announces retirement from professional cricket

However, he may not stay at top for long if he doesn’t score big in these six innings. England are scheduled to play a three-T20I series against Sri Lanka at home. Buttler would need 110 runs from three innings to join Pollard if the latter joins the exclusive 15,000 T20 runs club.

Knight Riders lose despite Pollard’s carnage-filled knock

Pollard walked in to bat in the 11th over when Knight Riders were 76/4 in the run chase of 212. In the 13th over, Pollard smashed Joshua Bishop for two sixes and two fours. In the 16th over, he targeted Maheesh Theekshana, hitting him for two fours and as many sixes. His knock came to an end in the 17th over when Knight Riders needed 65 runs from 24 balls. Matthew Forde dismissed Pollard caught and bowled.

After Pollard's 26-ball 65 featuring six fours and five sixes, Knight Riders managed to post 175/6, losing the match by 36 runs at Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba.

This Nicholas Pooran-led Knight Riders' third defeat from four games. They are placed seventh on the points table. Their next clash is against Barbados Tridents on August 28.