Buttler becomes the leading run-scorer in T20 history

The England star passed Kieron Pollard during Manchester Super Giants’ nine-wicket win over Welsh Fire at Old Trafford.

Jos Buttler has become the leading run-scorer in men’s T20 cricket after striking an unbeaten 51 from 20 balls for Manchester Super Giants.

Buttler entered Wednesday’s Hundred match against Welsh Fire needing 22 runs to pass Kieron Pollard’s career total of 14,803. He cleared the mark during a brutal innings containing two fours and six sixes.

The 35-year-old now has 14,833 runs from 492 innings. Pollard sits second with 14,803 from 663 innings, while former West Indies opener Chris Gayle occupies third place with 14,562 from 455.

The record changed hands for the second time in less than two months. Pollard moved past Gayle during the 2026 Major League Cricket season before Buttler overtook both West Indians during The Hundred.

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His landmark came during a dominant Manchester chase at Old Trafford.

Welsh Fire posted 155-4 from their 100 balls after Matthew Short and Phil Salt shared a 125-run opening partnership. Short struck 71 from 47 deliveries, including eight fours and two sixes, while Salt contributed 48 from 37.

Gus Atkinson led Manchester’s bowling effort with 2-12 from 15 balls. Josh Tongue and Paul Walter claimed one wicket each.

Walter then gave the chase early momentum with 37 from 18 deliveries before Sam Cook removed him with the score on 74.

Buttler joined Tim Seifert and immediately increased the scoring rate. Seifert finished unbeaten on 62 from 36 balls, hitting 10 fours, as the pair carried Manchester to 161-1 after only 69 deliveries.

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The nine-wicket victory gave Buttler a successful start as Manchester captain following Aiden Markram’s departure for personal reasons.

Buttler’s record reflects both longevity and the range of his T20 career. He has opened the batting, played through the middle order and represented teams in England, India, Australia, Bangladesh and South Africa.

Gayle established the standard through his power and 22 centuries. Pollard passed him through two decades of franchise cricket. Buttler has now moved ahead of both, although his 30-run advantage over the still-active Pollard leaves the record open to another change.

Jos is the boss 🙌 pic.twitter.com/g93E7IkiBf

— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) August 5, 2026

Photo: Joe Prior/Getty Images

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