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Kieron Pollard has reclaimed his place at the top of the T20 cricket run-scoring charts, overtaking England star Jos Buttler once again. The West Indies legend produced a sensational batting display for Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026, scoring a blistering 65 off just 26 balls against Saint Lucia Kings.
Pollard's explosive innings came on August 26 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba. He smashed six fours and five sixes during his whirlwind knock, taking his career tally to 14,921 T20 runs.
The 39-year-old is now just 79 runs away from becoming the first batter in T20 cricket history to reach 15,000 runs.
Pollard’s 65 Off 26 Balls Helps Him Retake the T20 Run-Scoring Record
Pollard entered the contest needing 35 runs to move back ahead of Buttler in the all-time T20 run-scoring standings. He went well beyond that target, producing one of the most explosive innings of the match.
After his latest knock, Pollard has accumulated 14,921 runs in 749 T20 matches at an average of 31.81. His impressive record includes two centuries and 71 half-centuries.
Pollard had recently lost the No. 1 spot to Jos Buttler during The Hundred 2026. However, it took the veteran all-rounder only a few days to reclaim the record.
Jos Buttler Drops to Second in T20 Run-Scoring List
Jos Buttler had moved past Pollard during The Hundred 2026 to become the highest run-scorer in T20 cricket.
The England batter has so far scored 14,890 runs from 526 T20 matches, averaging 35.36. His tally includes nine centuries and 106 half-centuries.
Pollard now holds a narrow 31-run lead over Buttler, keeping the battle for the T20 run-scoring record extremely close.
Kieron Pollard Just 79 Runs Away From 15,000 T20 Runs
Pollard's next target is even bigger.
With his career tally standing at 14,921 runs, he needs just 79 more runs to reach 15,000 T20 runs. Achieving the landmark would make him the first batter ever to cross the 15,000-run barrier in the format.
Trinbago Knight Riders still have league-stage matches remaining in CPL 2026. If they qualify for the playoffs and advance to the final, Pollard will have additional opportunities to reach the historic mark and potentially extend his lead over Buttler.
Pollard’s 65 Goes in Vain as TKR Lose by 36 Runs
While Pollard dominated with the bat, his efforts could not prevent Trinbago Knight Riders from suffering another defeat.
Saint Lucia Kings posted a challenging 211/5, setting TKR a target of 212. The Knight Riders were struggling at 76/4 after 10.5 overs when Pollard walked into the middle.
The veteran immediately shifted the momentum. He attacked Joshua Bishop in the 13th over, hitting two sixes and two fours before taking on Maheesh Theekshana in the 16th over with another two fours and two sixes.
Pollard's counter-attacking innings ended in the 17th over when Matthew Forde dismissed him caught and bowled.
TKR eventually finished on 175/6, falling short by 36 runs.
Trinbago Knight Riders Face Tough CPL 2026 Campaign
The defeat marked Trinbago Knight Riders' third loss in four matches in CPL 2026, leaving them seventh in the points table.
Despite the disappointing result, Pollard's individual performance provided a major highlight. His 65-run blitz not only helped him reclaim the T20 run-scoring record but also brought him within touching distance of a historic milestone.
Pollard vs Buttler: T20 Cricket’s Run-Scoring Race Heats Up
The contest between Pollard and Buttler is likely to remain closely watched in the coming weeks.
Pollard currently leads with 14,921 runs, while Buttler is only 31 runs behind with 14,890. Buttler will also have opportunities to close the gap when England take on Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series.
With both players still active in the shortest format, the top spot could change hands again.
Can Pollard Become the First Batter to Score 15,000 T20 Runs?
Kieron Pollard is now just 79 runs away from history.
If he reaches the milestone, he will become the first player in T20 cricket to score 15,000 runs. After reclaiming the record from Buttler, Pollard now has another major milestone firmly in his sights.
The CPL 2026 campaign could therefore become a historic chapter in Pollard's already remarkable T20 career.
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