West Indies' wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran has broken former opener Chris Gayle's long-standing record for most sixes in a T20 World Cup edition. With three sixes in his unbeaten 12-ball 27 cameo against USA, Pooran went past Gayle’s record.
Pooran has 17 sixes in the ongoing tournament already. Gayle hit 16 sixes in the 2012 edition of the tournament. West Indies went on to win the tournament for the first time. They are followed by Marlon Samuels and Australia's Shane Watson with 15 sixes each in 2012 edition.
Pooran also became the leading run-scorer of the tournament. The southpaw has scored 227 runs from six innings at an average of 45.50 and a strike rate of 148.37. His high score in the tournament is 98 which came against Afghanistan.
Most sixes in single edition
Another record was created during West Indies' run chase. 412 sixes have been hit the tournament so far. This is the most number of sixes hit in a single edition. The previous record was of 405 sixes in the 2021 edition of the marquee event.
In the run chase, Shai Hope equalled Pooran's feat as well. Hope became the sixth batter to hit eight or more sixes in a T20 World Cup innings. Pooran did it against Afghanistan earlier this week. The top spot is occupied by Gayle who hit 11 sixes against England in 2016.
Hope’s ballistic knock
Replacing an injured Brandon King in the side, Hope remained unbeaten for 39-ball 82 in the successful run chase of 129. West Indies achieved the target in 10.5 overs. The big win boosted their net run rate (NRR) and improved their chances of qualifying for the semifinals.
West Indies got over the line with 55 balls to spare. This is the second-quickest run chase in T20 World Cups when the target is over 100 runs.
Captain lauds Hope
“It's very special, Kensington brings back special memories for us. We had a great opportunity to come out and play some good cricket… He's (Hope) been fantastic, he got a chance against Afghanistan but was dropped next game against England in St Lucia because of the combination. However, he was hungry for a good performance,” Rovman Powell said in the post-match presentation.
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