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IPL 2026: Nicholas Pooran surpasses Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in explosive batting record during MI vs LSG
TL;DR
Nicholas Pooran has surpassed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in IPL's explosive batting records by scoring a 16-ball fifty against Mumbai Indians. He now holds the second-most half-centuries in fewer than 20 balls in IPL history.
Key points
- Nicholas Pooran scored a 16-ball fifty against Mumbai Indians
- He surpassed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in IPL explosive batting records
- Pooran now has five IPL half-centuries in fewer than 20 balls
- Abhishek Sharma leads with six such half-centuries
Nicholas PooranVaibhav SooryavanshiAbhishek SharmaMumbai Indians
NEW DELHI: Lucknow Super Giants batter Nicholas Pooran continues to redefine power-hitting in the IPL, and this time he has moved past Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in one of the league’s most explosive batting records.
With his breathtaking 16-ball fifty against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday, Pooran now has five IPL half-centuries scored in fewer than 20 balls — the second-most in tournament history. Only Abhishek Sharma, with six, stands ahead of him on the elite list.
Most 50s in less than 20 balls in IPL:
- 6 — Abhishek Sharma
- 5 — Nicholas Pooran
- 4 — Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Pooran’s latest blitz was more than just another quickfire innings. It felt like a statement. Batting at No. 3 for the first time this season for Lucknow Super Giants, the left-hander looked completely unleashed from the moment he walked in.
Fastest fifties for LSG (by balls)
- 15 - Nicholas Pooran vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2023
- 16 - Nicholas Pooran vs MI, Wankhede, 2026
- 18 - Nicholas Pooran vs SRH, Hyderabad, 2025
- 19 - Nicholas Pooran vs MI,Wankhede, 2024
- 20 - Kyle Mayers vs PBKS, Mohali, 2023
- 20 - Nicholas Pooran vs DC, Delhi, 2024
He raced to 63 off just 21 deliveries, smashing one four and eight sixes at a staggering strike rate of 300.
The landmark moment came in the 8th over when he pulled a short ball from Deepak Chahar over fine leg for six to bring up his fifty in only 16 balls. The shot itself summed up the innings — fearless, inventive, and brutally clean.
The celebration also hinted at the significance of the knock. Pooran blew a kiss before raising his bat to acknowledge the crowd, almost as if sending a message to the team management that this role suits him perfectly.
On a night where even bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah struggled for control, Pooran turned the Wankhede into his personal launchpad.
If this innings is any indication, Pooran at No. 3 could become one of the most dangerous tactical shifts of IPL 2026.
Q&A
How many half-centuries has Nicholas Pooran scored in less than 20 balls in IPL?
Nicholas Pooran has scored five half-centuries in fewer than 20 balls in IPL.
Who holds the record for the most half-centuries in less than 20 balls in IPL?
Abhishek Sharma holds the record with six half-centuries in less than 20 balls.
What was the context of Pooran's record-breaking performance against Mumbai Indians?
Nicholas Pooran achieved his record during a match at Wankhede Stadium, scoring a fifty in just 16 balls.
