Kamal Ghorui
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.
