Cricket

Nicholas Pooran, the explosive West Indian batter, has etched his name in the annals of T20 cricket history by setting a new world record for the most sixes in a calendar year. During a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) match on Saturday, Pooran smashed nine towering sixes in his blistering 43-ball 97 against St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, propelling his team, Trinbago Knight Riders, to a resounding 44-run victory.This remarkable feat surpassed the previous record held by the legendary Chris Gayle, who had hit 135 sixes in 2015. Pooran's tally of 139 sixes in 2024 not only eclipses Gayle's mark but also places him ahead of Gayle's other two impressive six-hitting seasons, with 121 sixes in 2012 and 116 in 2011.Pooran's record-breaking performance is a testament to his exceptional power-hitting abilities and his consistent brilliance across various franchise leagues and international cricket throughout 2024. His stellar form extends beyond just six-hitting, as he has also accumulated an impressive 1,844 runs this year, placing him third on the list for most T20 runs in a calendar year.In the CPL match against the Patriots, Pooran's innings was the cornerstone of Trinbago Knight Riders' formidable total of 250/4. The Knight Riders' bowlers then restricted St Kitts & Nevis Patriots to 206/8, securing a comfortable win.Pooran's record-breaking feat is a testament to his exceptional talent and his status as one of the most dangerous batters in T20 cricket today. His ability to clear the boundary with ease and his consistent performances make him a valuable asset to any team.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the fixtures for the second edition of the Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL), which will be held in Trinidad from August 21 to 29. For the first time, three WCPL matches will be played as double-headers alongside West Indies men's T20Is against South Africa.The WCPL, which debuted in 2023, has become a strategic priority for CWI, showcasing the growing popularity of women's cricket in the region. The double-headers will provide fans with an unprecedented opportunity to witness both world-class international men's cricket and the best female cricketers in the Caribbean competing alongside top overseas players.All WCPL games will be played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, with the double-headers scheduled for August 23, 25, and 27. The inaugural WCPL edition was won by the Barbados Royals, led by Hayley Matthews.CWI CEO Johnny Grave expressed excitement about the new concept, stating, "Women's cricket continues to be a strategic priority for Cricket West Indies, and this is another exciting new concept for WCPL 2024. We are certain that there will be huge interest from people in Trinidad in these double headers."Pete Russell, CEO of the Caribbean Premier League, added, "We are very excited to be able to work with Cricket West Indies to have the WCPL take place at the same time as these Men's T20 Internationals. It is another example of how the two organizations are working in harmony to provide the best outcome for fans, players, and cricket in the region."South Africa's tour of the Caribbean will begin with two Tests in Trinidad and Guyana from August 7, followed by the three-match T20I series at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad from August 23. The two teams will also play a four-day warm-up game ahead of the Test series in Tarouba.