Buttler becomes T20 cricket’s leading run-scorer | The Express Tribune

Jos Buttler became the leading run-scorer in T20 cricket history after smashing six sixes to guide Manchester Super Giants to a dominant victory over Welsh Fire in The Hundred, ending their three-match losing streak.

The England white-ball star surpassed former West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard’s career tally of 14,803 T20 runs when he hit three consecutive sixes off Marco Jansen. Buttler finished the match unbeaten on 50 from just 20 balls as the Super Giants chased down Welsh Fire’s target comfortably.

“It’s really cool, actually, to think you’ve got the most T20 runs out of anyone,” Buttler told Sky Sports. “Someone will surpass it one day — and his name’s probably [Vaibhav] Sooryavanshi — but it’s a proud moment.”

The runs scored in The Hundred are included in official T20 career statistics, with the tournament played in a format equivalent to 20 five-ball overs.

Buttler, who recently took over as Manchester Super Giants captain after Aiden Markram returned to South Africa for personal reasons, said he was proud to reach the milestone among a list of elite players.

“There are some great names on there, some special players, so I’m really proud of that,” he said.

Pollard could reclaim the record when he returns to action for Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League, while Alex Hales, currently fourth on the all-time list, also remains among the leading T20 run-scorers.

Buttler’s achievement came after a difficult period in which he struggled for form, scoring only 87 runs in eight innings during the T20 World Cup earlier this year. The 34-year-old said his recent performances reflected his determination to regain confidence.

“It’s funny how quickly cricket can change: one day you’re the dog, one day you’re the lamppost,” Buttler said. “A few months ago, I was struggling for form, and in the last few weeks especially, I probably feel like I’m batting as well as I ever have.”

Welsh Fire posted 155 after being sent in to bat, with their openers Phil Salt and Matt Short adding 125 runs for the first wicket. However, they failed to accelerate at the required pace and lost momentum after a late collapse.

Gus Atkinson claimed two wickets as the Fire finished with what proved to be a below-par total.

The Super Giants made a flying start in the chase, reaching 53 without loss in the powerplay. Tim Seifert and Leus du Plooy’s replacement at the top, Phil Walter, provided early momentum before Buttler took control.

After reaching the milestone with his six off Jansen, Buttler launched two more sixes from the next deliveries and brought up his half-century from just 20 balls, sealing a comfortable victory for Manchester Super Giants.

The win lifted the Super Giants to third place in the table and significantly improved their net run rate as they returned to winning ways.