12 Jul, 2025 | 12:48 PM
Kieron Pollard delivered an explosive performance when MI New York needed him most, guiding his side to a dramatic seven-wicket victory over Texas Super Kings in the MLC 2025 Qualifier 2 on Friday night in Dallas. Pollard’s match-winning knock of 47* from just 22 balls turned the tide for MI New York, propelling them into the final, where they will face Washington Freedom.
MI New York, chasing a relatively modest total of 167, had been struggling at 83/3 after 13 overs, with the asking rate hovering above 12 runs per over. But Pollard’s destructive hitting, along with solid contributions from Nicholas Pooran (52* off 36) and Monank Patel (49 off 39), ensured the chase was completed with seven balls to spare.
Texas Super Kings Set a Fighting Total
Texas Super Kings had earlier set a target of 167, largely thanks to the brilliance of captain Faf du Plessis, who top-scored with 59 off 42 balls. Du Plessis’ innings was the backbone of TSK’s total, as the rest of the batting order crumbled under pressure. Smit Patel, Saiteja Mukkamalla, Shubham Ranjane, and Marcus Stoinis all fell cheaply, leaving TSK reeling at 85/5 in the 13th over.
However, a stirring late partnership between Akeal Hosein and Donovan Ferreira revived TSK's fortunes. Hosein struck a blistering 55* from 32 balls, while Ferreira provided vital support with 32* off 20 balls, as the duo added an unbroken 81 runs off just 45 balls. Their efforts lifted TSK to 166/5, a total that seemed defendable despite the earlier collapse.
Pollard Puts MINY in Control
The chase did not start well for MI New York, as they lost both Quinton de Kock and Michael Bracewell cheaply, leaving them at 43/2 by the seventh over. Although Monank Patel held the innings together with a solid knock, MI New York still required a shift in momentum. Enter Kieron Pollard.
Pollard’s arrival was the turning point. In his first over at the crease, facing Noor Ahmad, Pollard wasted no time, launching the ball for a colossal six straight down the ground. As the required rate climbed to over 12, Pollard took control. His boundary-laden assault off Zia-ul-Haq, including two fours and two sixes in one over, put the game firmly in MI New York's hands.
The shift in momentum was palpable. From needing 61 runs off 36 balls, the equation was reduced to just 38 off the last three overs. Pooran and Pollard ensured there were no further hiccups, with Pooran finishing off the match with his third six off the final ball of the 19th over, leaving MI New York victorious.
A Shaky Start for MI New York
Despite the eventual comfortable finish, the chase had not been without its challenges. Monank Patel's strike rate of just over 120 had kept the scoring steady but slow. The loss of de Kock and Bracewell left MI New York in a precarious position, and at 83/3 after 13 overs, the pressure was mounting. However, Pollard’s explosive hitting turned the game around in a matter of overs, giving MI New York the momentum they desperately needed.
Key Performances:
Kieron Pollard: 47* off 22 balls (3 sixes)
Nicholas Pooran: 52* off 36 balls (3 sixes)
Monank Patel: 49 off 39 balls (6 fours)
Faf du Plessis: 59 off 42 balls (7 fours)
Akeal Hosein: 55* off 32 balls (3 sixes)
Donovan Ferreira: 32* off 20 balls (3 fours)
Luus: 3 wickets for 35 runs
Ugarkar: 2 wickets for 31 runs
MI New York’s Dramatic Rise to the Final
This win marks a remarkable turnaround for MI New York, who only managed three wins from ten league-stage games and had to battle through the Eliminator-Qualifier 2 route. Their victory over Texas Super Kings means they will now face Washington Freedom in the final of MLC 2025.
Texas Super Kings' Near Miss
Texas Super Kings must have felt they were on the brink of securing a spot in the final, especially after their late surge to 166/5. However, despite du Plessis' valiant efforts and the lower-order fireworks from Hosein and Ferreira, the total proved inadequate to stop Pollard and Pooran. TSK’s inability to build partnerships, combined with Pollard’s explosive performance, ultimately saw their title dreams dashed.
The defeat means Texas Super Kings’ season ends in disappointment, but they can take solace in their fighting spirit and the performances of du Plessis and Hosein.
MI New York will now look to continue their thrilling run when they face Washington Freedom in the MLC 2025 final.
