ILT20: Kieron Pollard turns back the clock as MI Emirates seal place in play-offs

The International League T20 fans were in for a treat as they got to witness vintage Kieron Pollard. Playing for the MI Emirates, 35-year-old Pollard was instrumental in the team making it into the play-offs of the tournament.

In the tournament’s 26th match, MI Emirates took on Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Abu Dhabi on Friday, February 3.

Skipper Pollard’s knock of 43 off just 17 balls helped MI Emirates secure the win. The highlight of the match, however, was when Pollard came up against Andre Russell in the 18th over of MI’s innings.

Pollard scored 26 runs in just one over of Andre Russell, exacerbating the already dire situation for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. The 35-year-old was awarded the Player of the Match for his sensational performance.

MI Emirates advance to ILT20 play-offs

Thanks to Pollard’s knock of 43 runs in 17 balls and skipper Dwayne Bravo’s fabulous spell of three wickets, MI Emirates were able to reach the play-offs of the tournament. The team registered a win by 18 runs over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.

Knight Riders’ winless run continues as they let MI Emirates post a total of 180, which they were unable to chase as they got bowled out for 162 in 19.2 overs. Russell went down fighting as his knock of 42 off 22 balls went in vain and Knight Riders were unable to win the game.

This was Knight Riders’ eighth loss in nine games. The team was unable to keep up with the required run rate. After the win, MI Emirates are sitting in the third place on the points table with 11 points, whereas Knight Riders sit at the bottom of the table with just a single point.