Kieron Pollard has scripted history by becoming the highest run-scorer in T20 cricket history. The former West Indies all-rounder surpassed Jos Buttler’s tally of 14,890 runs to reclaim the top spot. Earlier this year, Pollard had broken Chris Gayle’s record. But his stay at the top was short-lived as Buttler claimed the spot in August. However, Pollard scored 65 runs off 26 balls for Trinbago Knight Riders during a CPL match against Saint Lucia Kings to regain the record.
The match itself was a dominant performance from the Kings. They posted a massive total of 211 for 4 in their 20 overs. Tim Seifert led from the front with an unbeaten 105 off 61 balls. He hit eight fours and five sixes. Kamil Pooran gave the team a flying start with a quick 25 off 17 balls. Seifert and Pooran added 60 runs for the opening wicket in just 34 deliveries. John Campbell also contributed with 27 off 17 balls, sharing a 75-run stand with Seifert. Charith Asalanka scored 33 off 21 balls in the middle overs. Seifert reached his century in 57 balls in the final over.
Defending the total, captain Roston Chase broke the back of the run chase in the eighth over. He claimed three wickets in five deliveries. He dismissed Sunil Narine, Matthew Breetzke, and Nicholas Pooran. Matthew Forde then ended Kieron Pollard’s counter-attacking knock of 65 with a sharp return catch.
The Kings’ bowlers kept the pressure on and restricted the Knight Riders to 175. With this comprehensive win, the St. Lucia Kings moved back to the number one spot on the points table. They became only the second team this season to reach eight points. The Kings will now face the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots on September 3 in Basseterre.
Kieron Pollard – 5 Greatest T20 Knocks
1. 87* vs Chennai Super Kings – IPL 2021
Mumbai Indians needed to chase 219 runs against a strong Chennai Super Kings bowling attack. Pollard smashed 87 not out off just 34 balls with 6 fours and 8 sixes. He single-handedly turned an impossible chase into a memorable victory. Mumbai Indians chased down the target with 4 wickets in hand. This was his highest IPL score and it is regarded as one of the greatest T20 chases ever. The innings was a masterclass in finishing under pressure.
2. 83 vs Kings XI Punjab – IPL 2019
Mumbai Indians needed 198 runs to win. KL Rahul had scored a century for Kings XI Punjab and Pollard was captaining MI in the absence of Rohit Sharma. Coming in at 65 for 3 Pollard smashed 83 off just 31 balls. His innings included 10 sixes and 3 fours. He added a crucial 54 run stand with Alzarri Joseph. Mumbai Indians won the match off the last ball. This knock is widely regarded as one of the best T20 innings in IPL history.
3. 104 vs Barbados Tridents – CPL 2018
Pollard was captain of St Lucia Stars who had lost 15 consecutive matches before this game. He scored his only T20 century which was 104 off 54 balls. His innings included 6 fours and 8 sixes. He shared a 148 run stand with Andre Fletcher. St Lucia Stars posted 226 for 6 which was their highest CPL total. They won their first match in over two years. Pollard led from the front and broke the losing streak with a magnificent century.
4. 72 vs Barbados Tridents – CPL 2020
The Trinbago Knight Riders were chasing 149 but were struggling at 62 for 5. Pollard hammered 72 off just 28 balls with 9 sixes and 2 fours. He smashed 31 runs off the final two overs. TKR won with 1 ball to spare. This knock helped TKR maintain their unbeaten run in the tournament. His six hitting in the death overs was simply breathtaking. This innings was a perfect example of his finishing abilities.
5. 60 vs Chennai Super Kings – IPL 2013 Final
Mumbai Indians were playing their first ever IPL final. They were in deep trouble at 83 for 6. Pollard played a composed yet aggressive knock of 60 off 32 balls. He hit 3 sixes and 7 fours and lifted MI to a competitive total of 149 for 9. Mumbai Indians won the final by 23 runs and lifted their first IPL trophy. Pollard was named Player of the Match for his brilliant knock. This innings was special because it came in a final.
FAQs
Q. Whose record did Kieron Pollard surpass?
A. Pollard surpassed Jos Buttler’s tally of 14,890 runs.
Q. How many runs did Pollard score against Saint Lucia?
A. Pollard scored 65 runs from 26 balls.
Q. Who scored a century for Saint Lucia Kings?
A. Tim Seifert scored an unbeaten 105 runs.
Q. Who took three wickets in the eighth over?
A. Roston Chase took three wickets in five deliveries.
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