Mumbai Indians are setting new standards in death over batting this season. In their last match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians did the impossible and scored 89 runs in the last 5 overs to tie the match.
However, in their latest game against Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai batsmen Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard scored an impressive 25 runs in the final over of the innings. Having won the toss, KL Rahul decided to bowl first.
But Mumbai Indians once again proved their batting mettle despite a slow start. Rohit Sharma played an impressive innings by scoring 70 runs in just 45 balls. He anchored the Mumbai Indians’ innings until the 17th over. But the finishing duty of Kieron Pollard alongside Hardik Pandya stole the show on the night.
Pollard has been in tremendous form since the return of T20 cricket. He had an excellent CPL T20 season and made a mockery of RCB bowling this Monday. The hard hitting batsman was once again in the limelight for his incredible ball hitting ability.
Pollard, Pandya Took On Gowtham
Both Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya were well settled by the time of 20th over. They had already begun their death over batting by the time Gowtham came in to bowl the final over.
Gowtham managed to squeeze a dot ball from the first delivery of the over. However, little did he know that he will be taken for 25 runs in the next 5 balls. During the second ball of the over, Hardik Pandya heaved him over deep mid wicket for a six. He then took a single and gave the strike to in form Kieron Pollard.
Pollard has been in incredible form especially against spin bowling this season. Gowtham bowled a wide off delivery but Pollard was equal to the task. He extended his arms to reach out for the ball and sent it packing to long off boundary.
Gowtham then missed the trick and bowled the next ball onto his pads. This is Pollard’s strongest zone against spinners and he took the chance quite easily and dispatched the ball towards the long boundary with ease. Gowtham still bowled another full delivery in the slot and Pollard hit it over long on fence for the third consecutive six.
This power hitting helped Mumbai Indians gain 25 runs in the final over which propelled their score to 191/4. In reply, Kings XI Punjab did not stand a chance. Mumbai won the match comfortably by a massive 48 run margin.
