Pollard’s game-changing performance began when Brave needed 49 runs off the last 20 balls.Rashid Khan had been economical with figures of 1/10 from his first 15 deliveries, but Pollard dismantled his bowling in a single over.
Pollard smashed the first two balls over cow corner and the long-off region, followed by a straight hit back over Rashid’s head with the third ball. A powerful shot over deep mid-wicket came next, and Pollard topped off the over with a final six over long-off. This assault reduced the runs required to 19 off 15 balls.
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Despite being dismissed shortly after his blitz, Pollard’s rapid 45 off 23 balls had already shifted the momentum in Southern Brave’s favor. The team ultimately won the contest by two wickets with just one ball remaining.
Earlier in the game, Tom Banton top-scored for Trent Rockets with 30 runs, helping his team to post a competitive total of 126/8.
Reflecting on his performance against Rashid Khan, Pollard acknowledged their shared history and familiarity with each other’s play.
“I’ve played a lot against him, and he’s gotten me out many times. But I knew the lines and lengths he was likely to bowl,” Pollard said.
“I just backed myself – if he bowled short, I was going across; if he went full, I was going to hit straight. He bowled three fuller balls, and they were right in my arc. At that point, I couldn’t hold back, I had to go for maximums. But Rashid is a world-class bowler; we’ve played a lot against each other,” he added.
Pollard’s performance not only secured a crucial victory for Southern Brave but also underscored his reputation as one of the most formidable hitters in the sport.