IPL 2026: Nicholas Pooran surpasses Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in explosive batting record during MI vs LSG
Nicholas Pooran smashed a 16-ball fifty against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, overtaking Vaibhav Sooryavanshi with five IPL fifties in under 20 balls — second only to Abhishek Sharma’s six. Batting at No. 3 for Lucknow Super Giants, Pooran blasted 63 off 21 balls, underlining his growing dominance as one of IPL 2026’s most destructive batters.
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.