New Delhi: Lucknow Supergiants batsman Nicholas Puran continues to redefine power hitting in the IPL, and this time he has surpassed Vibhu Suryavanshi in one of the league’s most explosive batting records.With his brilliant fifty off 16 balls against Mumbai Indians At the Wankhede Stadium on Monday, Pooran now has five IPL half-centuries in less than 20 balls, the second most in the history of the tournament. Only Abhishek Sharma, with six, is ahead of him in the elite list.
Most 50s in less than 20 balls in IPL:
- 6 – Abhishek Sharma
- 5 – Nicholas Puran
- 4 – Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Pooran’s latest blitz was more than just another quick innings. It felt like a statement. Batting at No. 3 for the first time this season for Lucknow Supergiants, the left-hander looked completely unfazed from the moment he walked in.
Fastest Fifty (by Balls) for LSG
- 15 – Nicholas Puran vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2023
- 16 – Nicholas Pooran vs MI, Wankhede, 2026
- 18 – Nicholas Puran vs SRH, Hyderabad, 2025
- 19 – Nicholas Puran vs MI, Wankhede, 2024
- 20 – Kyle Meyers vs PBKS, Mohali, 2023
- 20 – Nicholas Puran v. DC, Delhi, 2024
He scored 63 runs off just 21 balls, hitting one four and eight sixes at an astounding strike rate of 300. The historic moment came in the 8th over when he pulled a short ball from Deepak Chahar over fine leg for a six to complete his half-century in just 16 balls. The shot summed up the innings — fearless, inventive, and brutally clean.The celebration also indicated 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 the role was a perfect fit for him.On a night where even bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah were struggling for control, Puran turned Wankhede into his personal launch pad. If this innings is any indication, Puran at No. 3 could turn out to be one of the most dangerous tactical changes of IPL 2026.
