Instances When Kieron Pollard Bullied the Opponents

Kieron Pollard’s explosive batting and ability to deliver under pressure have made him one of the most feared finishers in T20 cricket. Pollard’s innings often come when his team is in dire need, showcasing his knack for turning potential losses into thrilling victories. Below, we delve into some of his standout performances across various matches that highlight his exceptional skill and impact on the game.

Let’s take a closer look at those performances when Kieron Pollard Bullied the Opponents

Mumbai Indians vs Punjab in 2019

In an electrifying IPL clash on April 13, 2019, the Mumbai Indians (MI) were set a formidable target of 198 runs by the Punjab Kings (KXIP). At 166-6, MI’s chase seemed to be faltering with 133 runs needed from 68 balls. Kieron Pollard stepped up to rescue his team, delivering an explosive innings of 83 runs from just 31 balls. His crucial knock was highlighted by a brilliant assault in the 18th over, where he scored 17 runs off Sam Curran, including two massive sixes. This dramatic scoring reduced the target from 32 runs off 12 balls to a more achievable 15 runs off the final over.

Pollard’s innings set up a thrilling finish, despite his dismissal in the 19th over to a catch by Miller off Rajpoot’s bowling. His aggressive strokes dismantled KXIP’s bowlers, making it possible for MI to chase down the total. Alzarri Joseph eventually scored the winning runs in the final over, securing MI’s highest-ever successful IPL run chase at home. Pollard’s performance was a testament to his finishing prowess and played a key role in MI’s memorable victory.

Pollard’s impact was particularly notable in the 18th over, where he started his assault with a boundary and continued with several big hits, including three sixes. His final over aggression, where he hit a six off Rajpoot’s no-ball and managed the remaining runs, proved crucial.

Mumbai Indians vs RCB in 2020

During a gripping IPL match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2020, MI faced the daunting challenge of scoring 80 runs in the last 4 overs. Kieron Pollard turned the game around with a stunning assault, scoring 27 runs in the 17th over from Adam Zampa and 15 from the 18th over from Yuzvendra Chahal. With 19 runs needed from the final over, Kieron Pollard’s brilliance shone through as he hit a boundary and a six off the first two deliveries. His unbeaten 60 off 24 balls brought MI close to victory, leading the match into a Super Over.

The game ended in a tie with both teams scoring 201 runs in their allotted 20 overs. In the Super Over, RCB narrowly clinched victory, with AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli successfully chasing the target. Despite Pollard’s efforts and contributions from Hardik Pandya, MI could only manage 7 runs, falling short of RCB’s score. Pollard’s efforts in the regular overs were a highlight, but MI’s Super Over performance was not enough to secure the win.

The Super Over was a tense affair, with Navdeep Saini bowling a tight over for RCB. Pollard managed only 5 runs off 4 balls before being dismissed, and despite a valiant effort from MI, RCB emerged victorious. Kieron Pollard’s innings remained a memorable display of power hitting under pressure, even though MI did not secure the final win.

Mumbai Indians vs CSK in 2021

In a thrilling IPL encounter in 2021, the Mumbai Indians (MI) were set a daunting target of 219 runs by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). At the time of Kieron Pollard’s arrival, MI needed 138 runs from 62 balls. Pollard responded with an explosive knock of 87 runs off just 34 balls, demonstrating his aggressive batting prowess. The 13th and 15th overs, where Pollard scored 20 runs off Ravindra Jadeja and 19 off Shardul Thakur, were pivotal in swinging the momentum toward MI. His hitting prowess was on full display as he relentlessly attacked CSK’s bowlers.

As the match neared its climax, Pollard continued his heroics in the final over. MI required 16 runs from 6 balls, and Pollard’s aggressive hitting included a massive six, a four, and another six against Lungi Ngidi. His ability to score quickly under pressure was crucial, ultimately securing MI’s chase with a boundary off the last ball. Pollard’s performance in this match highlighted his ability to excel in high-pressure situations and deliver match-winning innings.

Kieron Pollard’s innings were a masterclass in finishing, turning what seemed like a lost cause into a thrilling victory. His aggressive batting, particularly in the crucial overs, played a significant role in MI’s successful chase.

6 Sixes vs Sri Lanka

In a T20I match against Sri Lanka, Kieron Pollard delivered an extraordinary performance, hitting six consecutive sixes in an over off Akila Dananjaya. West Indies, chasing a modest target of 134 runs, required a quick acceleration. Pollard’s explosive knock of 38 off 11 balls arrived at a critical juncture, transforming the game. His assault on Akila included a series of powerful sixes, each demonstrating his exceptional hitting skills and ability to dominate under pressure. Akila Dananjaya had earlier claimed a hat trick but it was overshadowed by Pollard’s performance.

Sri Lanka had posted 131/9 in their 20 overs, and West Indies needed 134 runs to win. Despite a challenging innings initially, Pollard’s remarkable sixes turned the match in West Indies’ favor. His aggressive approach, including massive hits over long-on, long-off, and mid-wicket, was a game-changer and showcased his power-hitting ability. Pollard’s performance was instrumental in achieving the target in 13.1 overs, with West Indies winning by 4 wickets.

Kieron Pollard’s innings were highlighted by his ability to deliver under pressure, overshadowing Sri Lanka’s efforts and demonstrating the aggressive nature of West Indian cricket. His performance, including the dramatic six-sixes, was a key factor in West Indies’ victory and earned him the Player of the Match award. Despite later losing his wicket, Pollard’s earlier fireworks ensured a memorable win for his team.

5 Sixes vs Trent Rockets

Kieron Pollard’s innings against the Trent Rockets was a pivotal moment, showcasing his ability to turn games with powerful hitting. The Southern Brave required 127 runs from 100 balls and faced a challenging situation. Pollard, who had recently joined the crease, initially struggled but soon provided the game-changing performance needed. Facing Rashid Khan one of the best wrist spinners of the white-ball format, Pollard hit him five consecutive sixes, each showcasing his explosive power and ability to dominate high-pressure situations.

Kieron Pollard’s spectacular hitting included a powerful pull shot over deep mid-wicket and a series of impressive lofted shots. His five consecutive sixes significantly shifted the game’s momentum and demonstrated his prowess as a T20 hitter. Despite being run out later in his innings, Pollard’s knock of 45 off 23 balls was crucial in the Brave’s chase, bringing them closer to victory.

The game concluded dramatically with the Brave needing four runs off the last two balls. Chris Jordan secured the win with a boundary, despite a late fightback from the Rockets. Kieron Pollard’s innings were a masterclass in hitting, earning him the Player of the Match award.

Overview:

The above-mentioned stats of Kieron Pollard all came during the chase, which clearly states that when the situation is tough the big man from the Caribbean stands tall and delivers consistent clutch performances.