S Poddar
Kieron Pollard produced a brutal display of power hitting to steal victory from the jaws of defeat and propel Southern Brave to a thrilling two-wicket win over Trent Rockets in the Hundred.
Chasing a modest 127, the Brave found themselves teetering on the brink at 78-6. Just 49 were needed from 20 balls, and for that matter, it was just an impossible task. That was before Pollard arrived. The West Indian colossus changed the equation with a mind-boggling assault on Rashid Khan. Five successive sixes echoed around the Utilita Bowl, sending shockwaves through the Rockets camp and hope into the hearts of the Brave.
The crowd was on its feet as Pollard continued his rampage, smashing two more fours. With that, a seemingly insurmountable chase was within touching distance. Off 10 balls remaining, Brave needed 19 runs. In an atmosphere full of tension, with quick succession of running out Pollard and Jofra Archer, Chris Jordan was left to do the job. The Englishman remained cool and calmly guided a four through backward square to seal a dramatic victory with one ball to spare.
Earlier, Trent Rockets had opted to bat first and posted a total of 126-8. Tom Banton and Adam Lyth got them off to a flying start before the introduction of Sam Cook sent the Rockets reeling—five wickets fell for 30 runs. Chris Jordan’s double strike at the death pegged back the innings, leaving Brave with a gettable target.
The chase got off to a good start as both Alex Davies and Quinton de Kock looked quite comfortable. However, after the introduction of John Turner into the attack, when he sent three wickets tumbling down onto the ground, things changed. It was left to Pollard to get them out of jail, and how he did so.
That victory rockets the Brave to the top of the Hundred table, level on points with Oval Invincibles, who have a fractionally better net run rate. The Rockets are still in contention for a knockout berth, but they will have an uphill battle on their hands.
No doubt, Pollard’s heroics will be spoken of for weeks. He is able to turn a game upside down with just raw power, reminding us of what a talent he is. For Brave fans, it was a night out, a victory snatched literally from the jaws of defeat thanks to one man eluding an extraordinary performance.
What are your thoughts on Pollard’s innings? Can Brave maintain their momentum?
