Kieron Pollard of MI New York in Action | Source: X.com
MI New York secured a dramatic yet convincing four-wicket victory over the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) to book their place in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 playoffs.
Electing to bowl first, MI New York justified their decision with a disciplined bowling display. The bowlers thrived on a sluggish Dallas pitch, making early inroads and restricting LAKR’s flow.
Jason Roy’s knock of 27 provided a brief spark at the top, but wickets tumbled throughout the middle order as MI New York maintained tight control.
Veteran spinners Rashid Khan and Trent Boult orchestrated the squeeze, while regular wickets ensured LAKR could only muster a below-par 130. A late cameo by Andre Russell (35 off 21) offered some late resistance.
Kieron Pollard Stepped Up
MI New York’s run-chase began brightly with youngster Dewald Brevis scoring a fluent 27. The experienced Nicholas Pooran (35) anchored the chase for a while, but his dismissal left them needing 32 runs from 24 balls.
The big-hitting all-rounder, Kieron Pollard then took matters into his own hands, smashing three consecutive sixes off Spencer Johnson to seal the win in emphatic fashion. His unbeaten 33 off just 12 balls (strike rate: 275) proved to be the match-winner.
MI New York Makes Back-to-Back MLC Playoffs
This victory not only secured MI New York’s playoff berth but also eliminated Los Angeles Knight Riders from contention. MI NY will now face the Texas Super Kings in a high-voltage Eliminator clash. Also, this is the second consecutive time MI New York has qualified for the playoffs in MLC.
