Nicholas Pooran has etched his name in the cricketing record books by surpassing Chris Gayle’s mark for the most sixes in a calendar year. This milestone was achieved during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024 match between Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) and St Kitts and Nevis Patriots on Sunday, September 1, at Warner Park, St Kitts.
The previous record-holder, Chris Gayle, had smashed 135 sixes back in 2015. Pooran, however, has taken his tally to an astounding 139 sixes in 2024, hitting nine massive shots in his blistering knock of 97 off just 43 balls. Gayle, a legendary figure in West Indies cricket, holds multiple records for most sixes in a calendar year.
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In fact, six out of the top ten entries in this list belong to him. But for Pooran, this is his first appearance in the elite top 10. Pooran’s remarkable achievement comes from an incredibly productive season, playing for eight different T20 teams, including the West Indies national side.
Take a look at batters with most sixes in a calendar year:
Player | Sixes | Year |
Nicholas Pooran | 139* | 2024 |
Chris Gayle | 135 | 2015 |
Chris Gayle | 121 | 2012 |
Chris Gayle | 116 | 2011 |
Chris Gayle | 112 | 2016 |
Chris Gayle | 101 | 2017 |
Andre Russell | 101 | 2019 |
Chris Gayle | 100 | 2013 |
Glenn Phillips | 97 | 2021 |
Kieron Pollard | 96 | 2019 |
Nicholas Pooran’s 139 sixes have been hit in just 58 matches, reflecting his explosive form. Despite this power-hitting display, Pooran has yet to score a century this year, although he has registered 13 half-centuries. With 1,844 runs to his name in 2024, Pooran is leading the charts for most runs and is well on his way to crossing the 2,000-run mark.
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Pooran broke Gayle’s record during the 12th over of match No. 3 in CPL 2024 when he smashed Tabraiz Shamsi for his sixth six of the match, bringing up his half-century off just 21 balls. TKR posted a formidable total of 250/4, thanks to Pooran’s explosive innings and Keacy Carty’s unbeaten 73 off 35 balls. Despite a spirited effort, the Patriots fell short, finishing at 206/8, ultimately succumbing to a 44-run defeat.