In a display of sheer brilliance and athleticism, Kieron Pollard, the towering figure from the Karachi Kings, left fans and spectators in awe during the 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL) clash against the reigning champions, Lahore Qalandars, on Saturday, February 24, at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium. At 36, Pollard's age-defying catch and match-winning performance powered the Kings to a nail-biting 2-wicket victory over the Qalandars.
The moment that captured the essence of Pollard's incredible athleticism came when Lahore was poised at 90/3 in the 12.2 overs. Jahandad Khan of the Qalandars lofted a shot towards long-on, intending to clear the boundary for a six. However, Pollard, stationed at the boundary, had other plans. Demonstrating remarkable agility, Pollard leaped into the air with the grace of a seasoned athlete, stretching his hand to snatch the ball right from the jaws of a certain six. This one-handed marvel not only dismissed Khan, who had managed to score 12 runs off 9 balls but also showcased Pollard's invaluable contribution to the field.
Watch the video here:
Nine years ago, Pollard had taken a similar catch during the Mumbai Indians' match against Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Karachi Kings faced a daunting chase of a 176-run target, and their pursuit was fraught with challenges right from the start. Losing four wickets in the powerplay, including key batsmen like James Vince and Mohammad Nawaz, Karachi seemed in trouble. However, a robust partnership between Kieron Pollard and Shoaib Malik turned the tide, bringing stability and momentum to their innings. Pollard's (58 runs off 33 balls) explosive half-century, featuring five sixes, and Malik's 39 runs off 32 balls were pivotal in Karachi's comeback. Despite their dismissals, the match came down to the wire in the final over.
Needing 11 runs off the last over, Hasan Ali's six off the first ball significantly eased the pressure. The game reached a climax on the penultimate ball, with Karachi needing just one run to win, which they achieved, thanks to Mir Hamza. Muhammad Irfan Khan's unbeaten contribution also played a crucial role in getting Karachi Kings over the line.
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