Kieron Pollard Deceives Bhanuka Rajapaksa With A Brilliant Slower Ball In CPL 2024

In a gripping contest at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) emerged victorious with a four-wicket win over Saint Lucia Kings in Match 12 of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024. Captain Kieron Pollard’s brilliant all-around performance, particularly with the bat, played a decisive role as TKR successfully chased down a competitive target of 188 with just five balls remaining. Pollard’s ability to handle pressure and lead from the front proved to be the defining factor in this exhilarating encounter.

The match saw several momentum shifts, with both teams exhibiting moments of brilliance, but it was Pollard’s timely interventions with both bat and ball that swung the game in Trinbago’s favor. His leadership and game sense shone through, reaffirming his status as one of the most influential players in the CPL.

Saint Lucia Kings Set a Challenging Target with Collective Batting Effort

After being asked to bat first, Saint Lucia Kings made a strong statement with a formidable total of 187/6 in their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by an impressive knock from Roston Chase, who played a crucial role in holding the middle order together. His composed 56 off 40 balls, featuring two fours and three sixes, provided the backbone for Saint Lucia’s innings.

The Kings’ innings got off to a flying start with opener Johnson Charles taking the attack to TKR’s bowlers, smashing a quickfire 29 off just 14 deliveries. His aggressive strokeplay, combined with Faf du Plessis’ measured 34 off 26 balls, laid a solid foundation for the middle order. Bhanuka Rajapaksa further contributed with a handy 33 off 29 balls, adding valuable runs in the middle overs. Despite these strong performances, the Saint Lucia Kings were unable to fully capitalize on their early momentum, as Trinbago’s bowlers applied the brakes at key moments.

Sunil Narine was particularly effective for TKR, finishing with outstanding figures of 2/13 from his four overs, while Waqar Salamkheil also impressed with 2/37. The bowlers’ ability to contain the run flow during the middle overs helped prevent the Kings from posting an even bigger total.

Pollard’s Key Breakthrough with the Ball

While Pollard is widely known for his explosive batting and leadership, he also played a pivotal role with the ball during the Saint Lucia Kings’ innings. His crucial breakthrough came in the 18th over when he removed the dangerous Bhanuka Rajapaksa with a clever piece of bowling.

Rajapaksa, who had looked set to accelerate the scoring in the death overs, mistimed a slower ball from Pollard, skying the ball to long-on where Jayden Seales took an easy catch. The wicket of Rajapaksa at that stage was a turning point, as it curtailed Saint Lucia’s final assault on the scoreboard. Pollard’s ability to contribute in all departments made him a constant threat throughout the match.

Following the dismissal, Pollard celebrated with a signature finger-to-the-lips gesture, signaling his control over the game and reaffirming his dominance in the match.

Shaqkere Parris and Early Pressure in TKR’s Chase

Chasing a challenging target of 188, Trinbago Knight Riders faced early pressure after losing Jason Roy for 16 and Sunil Narine for 14. However, it was opener Shaqkere Parris who kept the innings alive with a scintillating knock of 57 off just 33 deliveries. His explosive innings featured six towering sixes, and he played with intent, ensuring that TKR stayed within touching distance of the required run rate.

Parris took on the Saint Lucia Kings’ bowlers with confidence, attacking both the pacers and spinners alike. His aggressive approach at the top of the order provided TKR with the perfect platform to build their chase. However, despite Parris’ best efforts, the required rate continued to climb, and the Knight Riders found themselves needing a big finish in the final overs.

Pollard’s Blistering Knock Shifts the Momentum

As the chase grew tighter, it was Kieron Pollard who rose to the occasion, delivering one of the most memorable innings of the CPL 2024 season. Coming in when the pressure was mounting, Pollard took matters into his own hands, unleashing an incredible display of power-hitting that left the Saint Lucia Kings’ bowlers shell-shocked.

Pollard’s unbeaten 52 off just 19 balls included a staggering seven sixes, with most of them coming in the crucial final overs. His ability to hit boundaries at will completely shifted the momentum of the game, and as the required rate kept climbing, Pollard’s audacious hitting ensured that TKR stayed on track for victory.

Despite losing partners at the other end, Pollard remained unfazed, single-handedly taking the game away from Saint Lucia with his calculated aggression. His composure under pressure, combined with his ability to clear the ropes, was a masterclass in finishing a chase. The Saint Lucia bowlers, despite their best efforts, were powerless to stop Pollard’s onslaught.

Saint Lucia’s Bowling Efforts Fall Short

Saint Lucia Kings’ bowling unit fought valiantly to defend their total, with Matthew Forde (2/49) and Noor Ahmad (2/35) providing crucial breakthroughs during TKR’s innings. Forde’s ability to generate pace and Ahmad’s crafty spin kept the Knight Riders under pressure for much of the chase, but they could not find a way to dismiss Pollard at the death.

Forde picked up the important wicket of Parris, and Noor Ahmad’s tight spells in the middle overs put a dent in TKR’s scoring rate, but once Pollard took center stage, there was little they could do to prevent the inevitable. Despite their disciplined bowling efforts, Saint Lucia’s inability to contain Pollard in the final overs proved to be their undoing.

Pollard’s All-Round Brilliance Secures Player of the Match Award

For his exceptional contributions with both bat and ball, Kieron Pollard was deservedly named Player of the Match. His match-winning knock of 52 off 19 balls, combined with his crucial bowling performance, highlighted his all-around value to the Trinbago Knight Riders. Pollard’s leadership under pressure was exemplary, as he not only guided his team to victory but also demonstrated why he remains one of the most impactful players in the CPL.

Pollard’s ability to deliver in crunch moments has been a hallmark of his career, and this performance will be remembered as one of his finest. His mastery of the T20 format was on full display, and his contributions in all facets of the game ensured that Trinbago Knight Riders secured an important win in the early stages of the CPL 2024 season.

Looking Ahead: TKR’s Title Aspirations Grow Stronger

With this thrilling victory, Trinbago Knight Riders have reinforced their credentials as one of the top contenders for the CPL 2024 title. The team’s depth, coupled with Pollard’s leadership and the contributions from key players like Shaqkere Parris and Sunil Narine, make them a formidable force in the competition.

For Saint Lucia Kings, the loss will be a tough pill to swallow, but their competitive performance, particularly with the bat, suggests that they are capable of bouncing back in the remainder of the tournament. As the CPL 2024 progresses, both teams will look to build on the positives from this match and continue their quest for the coveted title.

In the end, it was Kieron Pollard’s brilliance that stole the show, as the veteran all-rounder once again proved why he is regarded as one of the greatest T20 players in the world. His match-winning performance was a reminder that, even in the high-pressure environment of the CPL, Pollard’s ability to dominate remains unmatched.

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