The Caribbean hard-hitter, Kieron Pollard turned back the clock making many wonder why he retired from Indian Premier League (IPL). On December 27, Pollard smashed four sixes in a 30-run over in a low-scoring game against Dubai Capitals, leading MI Emirates to an eight-wicket win in their last league stage match.
Capitals post a below par score
Pollard won the toss and opted to bowl first at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. Shakib Al Hasan broke the opening partnership in the fifth over, taking Shayan Jahangir's wicket. Allah Ghazanfar dismissed Sediqullah Atal for a single-digit score. Capitals had 35/2 on the board after powerplay overs. In the eighth over, two wickets fell. First, Leus du Plooy got run out. Then, Rovman Powell lost his wicket to Dan Mousley. Aran Gul Momand joined the party with Jordan Cox’s wicket. Cox scored just 13 runs from 17 balls. Capitals were 53/5 at the halfway stage.
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Jimmy Neesham hit a few boundaries in his 14-ball 21 before getting out to Ghazanfar in the 14th over. The Afghan spinner knocked over David Willey in the same over as well. After three boundary-less overs, skipper Mohammad Nabi hit a six. In the penultimate over, Fazalhaq Farooqi trapped Scott Curie in front of the stumps. No Boundary was scored in the last two overs. Nabi remained unbeaten for 22 off 30 balls as Capitals managed to post 122/8.
Emirates slow down after powerplay overs
In the run chase, Muhammad Waseem hit Willey for a six and two fours in the first over. Willey took a beating again with Andre Fletcher hitting him for two fours and a six. After powerplay overs, MI Emirates were 45/0. Haider Ali broke the partnership with Waseem's wicket in the seventh over. He scored 27 runs from 19 balls. In the 10th over, Fletcher was run out. He played too many dot balls, scoring 21 runs from 30 deliveries. At the halfway stage of the run chase, MI were 59/2.
Pollard mayhem steals the show
After three boundary-less overs, Pollard hit Waqar Salamkheil for a six in the 13th over. In the 15th over, Pollard made up for the dot balls and ensured Emirates get to the doorstep of victory. He hit Salamkheil for four sixes and a four. The Afghan spinner tried every variation but Pollard hit it sailing over the ropes four times in the over. In the 17th over, Tom Banton hit a boundary to finish the run chase. He remained unbeaten for a 20-ball 28. Pollard scored 44 runs from 31 balls as MI Emirates won by eight wickets with 20 balls to spare. MI Emirates also finished second on the points table and booked their spot in Qualifier 1 against Desert Vipers.