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Finn Allen’s 93, Pakistan Women’s T20 World Cup Squad, and Sunil Narine’s 200th IPL Match: May 16 Cricket Highlights

Rahul Verma · · 3 min read
1778956134657 Finn Allen and Pakistan Womens team
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May 16 was a remarkable day in the world of cricket, packed with explosive performances, landmark achievements, and important squad announcements. From the IPL to the international arena, here are the five biggest stories that defined Saturday.

Finn Allen Explodes with Record 35-Ball 93 vs Gujarat Titans

Kolkata Knight Riders opener Finn Allen put on a spectacular display of power-hitting in match number 60 of the IPL 2026 season. Allen blazed 93 runs off just 35 balls against the Gujarat Titans at Eden Gardens, smashing four boundaries and 10 towering sixes. His innings propelled KKR to a mammoth total of 247-2 in their 20 overs.

During his thunderous knock, Allen also became the leading six-hitter in the world in 2026, surpassing Ryan Rickelton’s tally of 70 maximums. The innings underscored Allen’s reputation as one of the most destructive openers in the tournament.

Sunil Narine Joins Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni for a Huge IPL Record

Sunil Narine added another feather to his illustrious cap by playing his 200th IPL match, all for the Kolkata Knight Riders. He becomes only the fourth cricketer in IPL history to play 200 or more matches for a single franchise. Narine now stands alongside Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings), and Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians) in this elite list.

Narine’s consistency and loyalty to KKR since his debut in 2012 have made him a legend of the franchise.

Sai Sudharsan Retires Hurt vs KKR

Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan was in blistering form during the chase of 248 against KKR, scoring an unbeaten 53 off 28 balls with six boundaries and three sixes. However, his innings was cut short when he suffered a blow to his elbow from a delivery by Kartik Tyagi in the final ball of the third over. Sudharsan was forced to retire hurt, leaving a big gap in the Titans’ batting lineup.

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Fatima Sana to Lead Pakistan Squad in 2026 T20 World Cup

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-player squad for the upcoming 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England. Fatima Sana will continue to lead the side. The squad includes five players who will make their T20 World Cup debuts: Eyman Fatima, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Saira Jabeen, and Tasmia Rubab.

In-form batter Gull Feroza will be the vice-captain, providing solidity to the top order. The team will aim to build on their recent performances and make a strong impact at the global event.

Mohammad Abbas Enters Rare Pakistan Club in Tests

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas continued his resurgence in Test cricket by claiming a three-wicket haul on Day 1 of the series-deciding second Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet. His figures of 3-45 helped bundle out Bangladesh for 278.

With this spell, Abbas completed 100 Test wickets, becoming only the sixth Pakistani pacer to reach the landmark. He joins an illustrious list that includes Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Imran Khan, Shoaib Akhtar, and Umar Gul. This milestone is a testament to Abbas’s skill and perseverance after several years out of the Test side.

Summary of May 16 Cricket Highlights

  • Finn Allen: 93 runs off 35 balls (4 fours, 10 sixes) for KKR vs GT.
  • Sunil Narine: Became 4th player to play 200 IPL matches for a single franchise.
  • Sai Sudharsan: Retired hurt after scoring 53* off 28 balls for GT.
  • Pakistan Women’s Squad: Announced for 2026 T20 World Cup under Fatima Sana.
  • Mohammad Abbas: Took 3-45 and reached 100 Test wickets for Pakistan.
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Rahul Verma

Rahul Verma is a senior cricket correspondent for NDTV Sports, recognised for bringing broadcast‑style clarity and data‑enriched narratives to digital sports journalism. A proud graduate of Hansraj College, University of Delhi, he started his career in radio commentary before moving into newsroom reporting. Rahul’s ability to decode complex match situations with the precision of an analyst and the flair of a storyteller has made him a trusted voice for millions of NDTV viewers and readers. He covers the Indian team across all formats and is a constant presence during the IPL, where he combines ball‑by‑ball coverage with behind‑the‑scenes insights on team strategies. His reporting also shines a light on the thriving grassroots cricket scene in North India, unearthing talent from school tournaments to state‑level age‑group cricket. A recipient of the Exchange4media Broadcasting Award and a RedInk prize, Rahul believes the best cricket stories are told with equal parts data, drama, and heart.