In a thrilling chase at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas, MI New York secured a dramatic four-wicket victory over the Los Angeles Knight Riders in match 19 of the Major League Cricket 2024, booking their place in the playoffs. The chase, however, wasn’t without its hiccups. Chasing a modest target of 135,  New York found themselves in a precarious position at 102/5 in the 13th over. But then came the turning point of the match – Kieron Pollard‘s awe-inspiring display of power hitting.

Kieron Pollard unleashes a six-hitting frenzy.

With the pressure mounting and playoffs hanging in the balance, Pollard stepped onto the field, shouldering the responsibility of reviving his team’s fortunes. The 14th over witnessed a masterclass in power hitting as Pollard took on LA Knight Riders’ bowler Spencer Johnson.

The first ball was dispatched over mid-wicket for a six, setting the tone for what was to come. Johnson attempted to change tactics with a length ball angling in, but Pollard responded with a monstrous 91-meter six over square leg. The crowd roared in appreciation as Pollard completed the hattrick of sixes with a disdainful chip over the bowler’s head for another maximum.

These three consecutive sixes not only yielded 18 crucial runs but also completely shifted the match’s momentum. The required run rate, once a daunting task, suddenly seemed achievable. Pollard continued his assault, adding another boundary and bringing his side to an easy match-winning situation with a well-made 33 runs off just 12 deliveries.

Here’s the video:

Also WATCH: Pat Cummins and Corey Anderson star in the comedy of errors on the pitch in MLC 2024

Nicholas Pooran’s professional approach gets MI through to playoffs

Earlier, despite Andre Russell‘s 35, LA Knight Riders failed miserably as a batting unit. They started badly and consistently lost wickets, where the middle order could not make a comeback, with many returning to the pavilion scoring single digits. Ultimately, they were restricted to 130 runs thanks to bowling spells from Rashid Khan (3/22) and Nosthush Kenjige (2/22).

On the other hand, New York started shaky and under immense pressure. Nicholas Pooran took his side home with an assured victory in hand before his fall at the 16th over, scoring a crucial knock of 35 runs.

Also WATCH: Dewald Brevis launches Matthew Short’s delivery for a massive six in MLC 2024