![Nicholas Pooran for WI. [Source - KKR_Xtra/xcom]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1749535619747_Nicholas_Pooran.jpg?type=mq)
Nicholas Pooran for WI. [Source - KKR_Xtra/xcom]
Nicholas Pooran shocked the cricketing world by announcing his retirement from international cricket at just 29. At the peak of his prowess as a batter and with only months left until the 2026 T20 World Cup, his decision has left fans stunned around the world.
Pooran, a swashbuckling keeper batter, represented the West Indies in 61 ODIs and 106 T20Is, also leading both white-ball sides until 2022. Known for his explosive style and match-winning ability, he delivered several unforgettable performances in the international arena.
As we reflect on his impactful career, let’s revisit Pooran’s top five best international batting performances for the Men in Maroon.
5. 53 vs India in Chennai, 2018
Nicholas Pooran was doing rounds as a rising star from Trinidad from very early in his career, but his true breakthrough came in 2018 against India in a T20I at Chennai. On a tricky Chepauk pitch, he smashed his maiden international fifty off just 24 balls.
His explosive knock gave some breathing to a struggling West Indies batting lineup, powering them to set a competitive total, but India chased it down quite comfortably later, overshadowing Pooran’s brilliant effort.
4. 67 vs India in Providence, 2023
Nicholas Pooran carried the West Indies’ batting on his shoulders with a brilliant 67 off 40 balls on a tough pitch in Providence, Guyana. Chasing 153, the hosts stumbled to 2/2, forcing Pooran to come early on the powerplay and rebuild the innings.
Despite wickets tumbling at the other end, the southpaw held firm and kept the West Indies alive in the chase. Eventually, the lower order saw them home, giving West Indies a 2-0 lead in the 5-match series which went on to be their first series win over India since 2017.
3. 82 vs England in St George's, 2023
West Indies take great pride in facing England at home, and the 2023 T20I clash in St George’s, Grenada was no different. In that high-stakes encounter, Nicholas Pooran delivered one of his finest T20I knocks, smashing 82 off just 45 balls with six sixes and six boundaries.
His explosive innings, his personal best T20I score, back then, powered West Indies to a mammoth 222-run total. However, despite the Pooran madness, a stunning chase led by Phil Salt stole the win and denied West Indies the series.
2. 98 vs Afghanistan in Gros Islet, 2024
In the 2024 T20 World Cup match against Afghanistan, Nicholas Pooran played one of the greatest innings in tournament history. Batting at number three, he hammered 98 off just 53 balls, including six fours and eight sixes, powering West Indies to a massive 218/5.
It was also his highest T20I score, falling just two runs short of a maiden century for the West Indies in the format. Pooran’s explosive knock left Afghanistan rattled as they collapsed in the chase, falling short by a huge 104-run margin.
1. 118 vs Sri Lanka in Chester-le-Street, 2019
Nicholas Pooran’s 118 against Sri Lanka in the 2019 World Cup at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street, remains one of the best ODI innings by a West Indies batter. Having debuted earlier that year, the Trinidadian announced himself with a brilliant 118 off 103 balls, featuring 11 fours and 4 sixes.
Chasing a massive 339, Pooran, came to bat at number five with three wickets down for 73 on the board, single-handedly kept West Indies in the hunt with his maiden ODI century. However, despite his gritty effort, the team ultimately fell 23 runs short of pulling off a memorable win.
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