Pollard's power show propels MI New York to final playoff spot, edging out LA Knight Riders

Defending champions MI New York (MINY) clinched a spot in the Cognizant Major League Cricket 2024 playoffs with a decisive 4-wicket win over the LA Knight Riders (LAKR), who were eliminated based on net run rate.

Match Summary

Los Angeles Knight Riders vs MI New York, Match 19

Los Angeles Knight Riders 130/10 (19.1 ov)

MI New York 134/6 (17 ov)

MI New York won by 4 wickets

SCORECARD  

 

Match Analysis

After the bowlers restricted the Knight Riders to 130 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Sunday, the experience of Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran got the side over the line. 

Dewald Brevis (27) provided MINY with a strong start on the batting front. Pooran then anchored most of the chase with an innings of 35 for 28, before being caught LBW by Ali Khan.  

However, the finishing touch came from Pollard, who showcased his immense power by smashing three consecutive sixes off Spencer Johnson, effectively sealing the game. He finished with an unbeaten 33 off just 12 balls, striking the ball at a rate of 275, to seal the win. 

Earlier, MI New York justified the decision to bowl first after delivering an exceptional bowling performance to bolster their playoff ambitions. They dominated from the powerplay on a slightly slow surface. 

Jason Roy started well with a 23-ball 27 at the top, but the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) struggled to find momentum, with a series of single-digit scores plaguing their middle order. 

MINY's bowlers maintained tight lines and lengths, making it difficult for LAKR to break free during the middle overs. Rashid Khan and Trent Boult turned back the clock with their strong showcase, as regular wickets further hampered LAKR's progress, and they appeared on the verge of a subpar total. However, a late onslaught by Russell, who hammered a quickfire 35 from just 21 balls, salvaged the innings and pushed LAKR to a somewhat respectable 130.  

With this victory, MINY have completed the playoffs lineup and will now face the Texas Super Kings in what promises to be a thrilling Eliminator clash.

Match Stats

Los Angeles Knight Riders Fall of wickets: 1-17 (Sunil Narine - 1.5 ov), 2-42 (Unmukt Chand - 5.3 ov), 3-50 (Jason Roy - 6.4 ov), 4-55 (David Miller - 8.6 ov), 5-78 (Saif Badar - 12.3 ov), 6-80 (Nitish Kumar - 13.4 ov), 7-81 (Corne Dry - 14.2 ov), 8-100 (Spencer Johnson - 15.6 ov), 9-102 (Ali Khan - 16.1 ov), 10-130 (Andre Russell - 19.1 ov)

MI New York Fall of wickets: 1-32 (Ruben Clinton - 4.5 ov), 2-36 (Dewald Brevis - 5.3 ov), 3-42 (Monank Patel - 7.5 ov), 4-78 (Heath Richards - 12.1 ov), 5-91 (Romario Shepherd - 13.2 ov), 6-126 (Nicholas Pooran - 15.4 ov)

 

Playing XI

Knight Riders 

• Jason Roy
• Sunil Narine(C)
• Unmukt Chand(WK)
• David Miller
• Nitish Kumar
• Saif Badar
• Andre Russell
• Corne Dry
• Spencer Johnson
• Ali Khan
• Josh Little

MI New York 

• Dewald Brevis
• Ruben Clinton
• Nicholas Pooran(WK)
• Kieron Pollard(C)
• Monank Patel
• Romario Shepherd
• Rashid Khan
• Heath Richards
• Trent Boult
• Rushil Ugarkar
• Nosthush Kenjige

 

Match Details:

Date: Monday, July 22, 2024 01:30

Venue: Grand Prairie Stadium, Texas

Toss: MI New York elected to bowl