In a breathtaking display of power-hitting, veteran West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard unleashed a devastating assault on Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan during The Hundred 2024. Representing the Southern Brave, Pollard’s remarkable hitting spree was a pivotal moment in a tense run chase against the Trent Rockets.
Pollard’s Heroics Turn the Tide
Coming in at a crucial juncture, Pollard took his time to settle at the crease, scoring just six runs off his first 14 balls. However, what followed was nothing short of extraordinary. With Southern Brave needing a big finish to chase down the 127-run target, Pollard flipped the script with a stunning barrage of five consecutive sixes off Rashid Khan, one of the world’s premier spinners.
Pollard’s explosive 23-ball 45, which included those five towering sixes, was the catalyst for Southern Brave’s comeback. His knock not only revived the Brave’s innings but also turned the game in their favor, with the team ultimately securing a thrilling victory with just one ball to spare.
The Over That Changed the Game
The Braves were in a precarious position at 78/6 after 80 balls when Sam Cook dismissed Akeal Hosein. With the match hanging in the balance, Rashid Khan was brought into the attack, and Pollard was on strike. What followed was a masterclass in power hitting:
- First Six: Rashid’s first ball was a short delivery on middle stump, which Pollard effortlessly dispatched over the boundary.
- Second Six: The next delivery saw Pollard clear the long-off boundary with an even mightier hit.
- Third Six: Rashid tried to adjust by bowling a straighter line, but Pollard, now in full flow, sent the ball sailing over deep mid-wicket.
- Fourth Six: Attempting to mix things up, Rashid delivered a slower, fuller ball outside off-stump, but Pollard was ready, smashing it over long-off.
- Fifth Six: With Rashid reeling, Pollard completed the over by backing away and launching another maximum, this time over deep mid-wicket.
Pollard’s onslaught drastically reduced the equation for Southern Brave, leaving them needing just 19 runs off 15 deliveries with four wickets in hand.
The Aftermath
Pollard’s heroic innings ended on the 91st delivery when he was run out by substitute fielder Calvin Harrison. Despite his dismissal, the momentum he generated was enough to carry the Braves over the line. Chris Jordan, batting at No.9, finished the job by hitting a boundary on the penultimate delivery, ensuring a memorable victory for Southern Brave.
For his match-winning performance, Pollard was rightfully adjudged the Player of the Match. His incredible display of power hitting not only secured victory for his team but also left fans and pundits in awe of his ability to change the course of a game in just a few deliveries.
This remarkable feat against one of the world’s most feared spinners will be remembered as one of the standout moments of The Hundred 2024.
