In just 22 days, the number one batsman in T20 cricket has changed hands again. Pollard has overtaken Butler in the CPL. Let's find out how this major turnaround happened.
Kieron Pollard
Kieron Pollard has once again been crowned the highest run-scorer in T20 cricket . Interestingly, just 22 days ago, Jos Buttler surpassed Pollard to hold this record. Now, with a blistering 65-run innings in CPL 2026, Pollard has regained the number-1 spot.
Hit 65 runs in 26 balls
Playing for the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League 2026, Pollard batted brilliantly against the St. Lucia Kings. He scored 65 runs in just 26 balls. His innings included six fours and five sixes. Pollard needed 35 runs before this match to achieve the record. He batted brilliantly and surpassed this mark, once again becoming the highest run-scorer in T20 cricket.
14,921 runs in 749 matches
With this innings, Pollard has amassed 14,921 runs in 749 T20 matches, averaging 31.81. He has also scored two centuries and 71 half-centuries during this period. Pollard is now just 79 runs away from becoming the first batsman to reach 15,000 runs in T20 cricket. With six matches remaining in the league stage for Trinbago Knight Riders, he has plenty of opportunities to reach this landmark.
Butler remained number 1 for only 22 days.
Jos Buttler surpassed Pollard to achieve this record during The Hundred 2026 in early August. Buttler held the No. 1 spot at the time with 14,890 runs in 526 T20 matches. However, Pollard's 65-run knock changed the equation once again. Buttler now sits second with 14,890 runs, including nine centuries and 106 half-centuries.
The race for records isn't over yet.
Even after Pollard's number one ranking, the race won't remain one-sided for long. England will play a three-match T20 series against Sri Lanka, and Buttler will have a chance to surpass Pollard again by scoring runs there. Pollard, meanwhile, has the opportunity to further strengthen his record during his CPL campaign. If the Trinbago Knight Riders reach the playoffs and final, Pollard will have a chance to surpass the 15,000-run mark and extend his lead.
This race for the most runs in T20 cricket is also special because the number one batsman has changed in just 22 days. Now it remains to be seen how long Pollard can retain his crown this time.
