Jos Buttler became the highest run scorer in T20 cricket history as Manchester Super Giants defeated Welsh Fire by nine wickets in The Hundred at Emirates Old Trafford.
The England wicketkeeper-batter surpassed Kieron Pollard’s career tally of 14,803 runs during a match-winning unbeaten 51, helping Manchester chase down 156 with ease and end a three-match losing streak.
Although The Hundred features 100-ball innings, its statistics are officially counted towards players’ T20 career records.
Buttler reached the milestone by launching Marco Jansen for the first of three consecutive sixes before finishing with an unbeaten 51 from just 20 balls. He shared an unbroken partnership with Tim Seifert, who remained unbeaten on 62, as Manchester reached 161 for 1 in emphatic fashion.
Speaking after the match, Buttler admitted the record was a proud moment in his career.
“It’s really cool, actually, to think you’ve got the most T20 runs out of anyone. Someone will surpass it one day, and his name’s probably Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, but it’s a proud moment.”
He added that he had hoped to overtake Pollard during Manchester’s previous match when the former West Indies all-rounder was present with the opposition.
“We played against MI London last game and it would have been nice to get past Polly while he was there sat in the dugout. There are some great names on that list, some special players, so I’m really proud.”
Pollard could reclaim the record during the upcoming Caribbean Premier League, while Alex Hales also remains among the leading run scorers in T20 cricket.
Buttler also reflected on his recent return to form after a difficult T20 World Cup earlier this year, where he managed only 87 runs in eight innings.
“It’s funny how quickly cricket can change. One day you’re the dog, one day you’re the lamppost. A few months ago I was struggling for form, and in the last few weeks I probably feel like I’m batting as well as I ever have.”
“You’ve only ever got two options. You either give up, or you’ve got the energy to keep going and rediscover your form. I’ve had enough energy and determination to get back there.”
Leading Manchester for the first time after Aiden Markram returned to South Africa for personal reasons, Buttler guided his side to a dominant victory that significantly improved their net run rate and lifted them to third place in the standings.
Earlier, Welsh Fire posted 155 for 4 after captain Phil Salt chose to bat first. Matt Short top-scored with 71, while Salt contributed 48 in an opening partnership of 125.
Despite the strong start, Manchester’s bowlers pulled things back brilliantly. Gus Atkinson claimed 2 for 12, while Josh Tongue kept the scoring under control as Welsh Fire managed only a modest total.
Manchester’s chase got off to a flying start, with Tim Seifert and Paul Walter attacking from the outset. Walter struck 37 before departing with the score on 104, leaving Buttler to finish the job.
The England star accelerated dramatically after reaching his milestone, smashing a series of towering sixes on his way to a 20-ball half-century as Manchester Super Giants sealed a comprehensive nine-wicket victory.
