Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder Kieron Pollard played a late cameo and then came back to pluck on to a one-handed stunner to dismiss Suresh Raina as Mumbai put a brake on Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) winning run at the Wankhede Stadium. Chasing 171 runs, the defending champions could only manage 133 runs for the loss of eight wickets.
Batting first, Mumbai lost the wicket of Quinton de Kock early on. Justin when things started to look good, they lost the wickets of skipper Rohit Sharma and Yuvraj Singh to strive at 50 for three. Then a timely partnership between Suryakumar Yadav and Krunal Pandya bailed Mumbai Indians out of danger. The 62-run stand for the fourth set the platform for the hitters to come and exploit. Hardik Pandya slammed 25 off eight deliveries while Kieron Pollard struck 17 off seven to finish the innings at 170 runs giving enough runs to the bowlers to bowl at.
In reply, the bowlers did an exceptional job to contain that heavyweight batting line-up within 133 runs. Jason Behrendorff provided the perfect start backed by Lasith Maling to start the proceedings. Hardik Pandya’s double strike in the middle overs made all the difference before Jasprit Bumraha, and Malinga did what they do best in the death overs.
I try to contribute every time: Pollard
Speaking about the game, the big Windies all-rounder said he tries to make a difference and contribute to the team’s success whenever he gets a chance. Moreover, Kieron Pollard also hailed the Krunal Pandya and Hardik Pandya for putting in great efforts for the Mumbai side.
“Taking into context, the Pandya boys are doing really well. It varies (about his practice), so being the more experienced guy I have to take the initiative and try to do well whenever I come in. Whenever I get a chance, I try to make a difference and contribute to the team,” Pollard said.
Hope to carry the momentum to next game
Strangely Kieron Pollard hasn’t bowled an over yet in the ongoing IPL. Speaking about his bowling, the all-rounder said that he has no clue about it and asked to clarify it with the skipper Rohit Sharma. In conclusion, he said that they want to carry the same confidence and beat Sunrisers Hyderabad when they meet next on April 6 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
“That’s the question you got to ask the skipper (when asked about why he isn’t bowling). As a team, we strive on momentum. It’s good for us, we have been batting pretty well, it’s just a matter of improvement. Hopefully, we can take it into SRH and topple them as well. He (Hardik) has a clear mind and has been hitting the ball very well,” he signed off.