On this day in 2021: Kieron Pollard’s 34-ball 87 stuns CSK

It was a one-man show by Mumbai Indians all-rounder Kieron Pollard as he delivered the knock-out punch to Chennai Super Kings during a group stage match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The five-time champions chased down a mammoth total of 219 runs, thanks to Pollard’s unbeaten knock of 87 runs in 34 balls with six fours and eight sixes at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.

The contest between the two heavyweights came right down to the final over with 16 runs required. For CSK, it was South African pacer Lungi Ngidi who was given the task of defending the runs. After the first ball went for a dot, Pollard flicked the pacer to the fence. The third ball also went for a boundary, before Pollard hit a flat six over the square leg. With two required off the last ball, the batting duo on the crease completed a hectic double as the Men in Blue and Gold pulled off an incredible win.

For CSK, England pacer Sam Curran was the most prominent bowler, scalping three wickets, while Shardul Thakur, Moeen Ali, and Ravindra Jadeja getting one wicket each.  Earlier in the match, CSK opener Faf du Plessis and England batter Moeen Ali set the base with both batters scoring a quick fifty. The finishing touches were given by Indian batter Ambati Rayudu as he stroked an excellent 72 in just 27 balls, hitting four fours and seven maximums for the Yellow Army. Rayudu was supported well by all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.

Pollard was also adjudged player of the match for playing an excellent knock of 87 runs along with taking two wickets with the ball in his two overs. Apart from Pollard, Jasprit Bumrah (one wicket) and Trent Boult (one wicket) were the successful bowlers for MI.