Nicholas Pooran stunned cricket by retiring at 29, months before the 2026 T20 World Cup. A dynamic West Indies batter and former white-ball captain, he played 61 ODIs and 106 T20Is. Known for explosive, match-winning innings, here’s a look back at Pooran’s top five international batting performances.
5. 53 vs India, Chennai 2018
Nicholas Pooran’s breakthrough came in a 2018 T20I at Chennai, where he scored a rapid 53 off just 24 balls on a challenging Chepauk pitch. His aggressive innings gave West Indies much-needed momentum, rescuing a struggling batting line-up and setting a competitive total. Despite his efforts, India comfortably chased down the target later in the match.
4. 67 vs India, Providence 2023
In a crucial 2023 T20I at Providence, Pooran played a match-winning 67 off 40 balls on a difficult pitch. With early wickets falling, he anchored the innings during the powerplay, rebuilding the chase steadily. His resilience helped West Indies reach the target and secure a 2-0 series lead over India, their first series win against them since 2017.
3. 82 vs England, St George’s 2023
In a high-profile T20I clash against England in St George’s, Pooran unleashed one of his best performances, smashing 82 runs from 45 balls. Featuring six sixes and six boundaries, his explosive innings helped West Indies post a mammoth total of 222. However, England’s successful chase denied West Indies the series victory despite Pooran’s heroics.
2. 98 vs Afghanistan, Gros Islet 2024
During the 2024 T20 World Cup, Pooran delivered one of the tournament’s standout innings, scoring 98 off 53 balls. His powerful hitting, including eight sixes and six fours, propelled West Indies to a commanding 218/5. This near-century led to a dominant 104-run win over Afghanistan, highlighting Pooran’s match-winning ability on the world stage.
1. 118 vs Sri Lanka, Chester-le-Street 2019
Pooran’s finest ODI innings came at the 2019 World Cup, where he scored a brilliant 118 off 103 balls against Sri Lanka. Coming in with West Indies struggling at 73/3, he stabilized the innings with elegant strokeplay, hitting 11 fours and 4 sixes. Despite his valiant effort, West Indies fell 23 runs short of a memorable victory.
