Nicholas Pooran and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi NEW DELHI: Lucknow Super Giants batsman Nicholas Pooran continues to redefine power hitting in the IPL, this time moving 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 less than 20 balls – the second most in the history of the tournament. Only sixth Abhishek Sharma is ahead of him on the elite list.
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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 quick-fire innings. It felt like a statement. The left-hander, batting at No.3 for the first time this season for Lucknow Super Giants, looked completely at ease 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 made 63 off just 21 deliveries and smashed one four and eight sixes with a staggering 300.The watershed moment came in the 8th over when he pulled a short ball from Deepak Chahar over fine leg for a six to bring up his fifty in just 16 balls. The shot alone summed up the innings – fearless, resourceful and brutally clean.The celebration also hinted at the importance of knocking. Pooran blew a kiss before raising his bat to acknowledge the crowd, almost as if sending a message to the team management that he was perfectly suited to the role.On a night when even bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah struggled for control, Pooran turned the Wankhede into his personal batting base.If this innings is any indication, Pooran at No.3 could become one of the most dangerous tactical moves of IPL 2026.
