Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Veteran all-rounder Kieron Pollard delivered a vintage performance for MI New York (MINY) against the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025, playing a pivotal role in a crucial 6-run victory that has reignited MINY’s playoff aspirations. His explosive half-century and a game-changing penultimate over proved decisive in a thrilling encounter.
Early Struggles for MI New York’s Batting
MI New York’s innings got off to a shaky start on a challenging, slow pitch. The top order struggled against the LAKR bowlers, losing early wickets. Shadley van Schalkwyk, Corne Dry, and Jason Holder made crucial breakthroughs, reducing MINY to a precarious position. Despite a cautious 30 from Nicholas Pooran, the team found themselves struggling to accelerate the scoreboard.
Pollard Steps Up with a Crucial Fifty
Just when MI New York seemed to be in trouble, Kieron Pollard stepped up to the plate. The former West Indies captain displayed his characteristic power-hitting, launching a vital assault in the middle and death overs. His 36-ball 50, studded with four sixes and a boundary, provided the much-needed impetus to the innings, pushing MI New York to a competitive total of 142/9.
Tight Bowling Restricts Knight Riders’ Chase
Defending 142, MI New York’s bowlers executed their plans brilliantly. Despite a steadying fifty from Unmukt Chand (59 off 48 balls), and contributions from Sherfane Rutherford (29), LAKR found it difficult to maintain the required run rate. The MINY bowling attack, including Nosthush Kenjige, kept the pressure on throughout the innings.
Game-Changing Penultimate Over from Pollard
With LAKR needing 21 runs off the last two overs and with well-set batsmen at the crease, Kieron Pollard took the ball for the crucial 19th over. He delivered a masterclass in death bowling, conceding a mere 5 runs and picking up the key wicket of Sherfane Rutherford, who was looking dangerous. This decisive over dramatically shifted the momentum in MI New York’s favor, leaving LAKR with a daunting 16 runs to score off the final over.
Nail-Biting Finish and Playoff Implications
Despite the presence of power-hitters like Andre Russell and Jason Holder, Ehsan Adil held his nerve in the final over, ensuring MI New York sealed a dramatic 6-run victory. This win not only eliminated the Los Angeles Knight Riders from playoff contention but also propelled MI New York level on points with the Seattle Orcas, holding a superior net run rate.
The “Man of the Match” performance by Kieron Pollard highlighted his continued relevance and match-winning abilities, proving that the “clutch” player still has plenty to offer. MI New York will now look to carry this momentum into their final league stage match, aiming to solidify their spot in the MLC 2025 playoffs.
