Kieron Pollard's Heroics Propel MI New York to Narrow Victory Over LA Knight Riders

Thrilling Match Sees MI New York Edge Out LA Knight Riders

Broward County, Florida, July 6: Kieron Pollard's crucial half-century and a pivotal final over sealed a narrow 6-run victory for MI New York against the Los Angeles Knight Riders, effectively eliminating the latter from playoff contention in the 2025 Major League Cricket season.

The match was a rollercoaster of momentum, with the Knight Riders unable to finish their chase despite being in a strong position, needing just 29 runs from the last three overs with eight wickets still in hand, as reported by MLC.

MI New York faced early challenges on a slow, sticky pitch, losing their top order quickly during the powerplay. Shadley van Schalkwyk made significant breakthroughs by dismissing Quinton de Kock and Tajinder Singh, while Corne Dry took out the tournament's leading run-scorer, Monank Patel, with a spectacular catch by Saif Badar.

Captain Nicholas Pooran tried to stabilize the innings with a cautious 30 runs off 24 balls before being caught behind by Unmukt Chand off Sunil Narine. Michael Bracewell followed soon after, caught by Holder at long-on as Dry's clever bowling continued to pay dividends.

With half the team back in the pavilion and the scoreboard lagging, Pollard ignited the innings in the 17th over, hitting Andre Russell for consecutive sixes. After a quiet over from Holder, Pollard struck again, dispatching van Schalkwyk for two more sixes before being caught for a crucial 50 runs off 36 balls, setting MI New York to a competitive total of 142/9.

In response, LA Knight Riders lost their explosive opener Andre Fletcher early in the second over. Unmukt Chand and Alex Hales attempted to rebuild the innings, but Hales continued his lean form, scoring only 21 runs off 26 balls, while Chand anchored the innings with a steady knock.

MI New York's diverse bowling attack kept the pressure on during the middle overs. Although LA Knight Riders were in a decent position, needing just 29 runs off the last 18 balls, Pollard's tight penultimate over, which yielded only 5 runs and claimed Rutherford's wicket, shifted the game's momentum.

With 16 runs required in the final over, LA Knight Riders controversially chose to retire Chand and send in skipper Holder. However, Ehsan Adil maintained his composure, securing a 6-run victory that knocked LA Knight Riders out of the tournament.

This thrilling win reignited MI New York's playoff aspirations. They are now tied on points with the Seattle Orcas but hold a superior net run rate, which could be crucial if both teams win their final group matches.

Brief Score: MI New York 142/9 in 20 overs (Kieron Pollard 50, Nicholas Pooran 30; Shadley van Schalkwyk 3/24) defeated Los Angeles Knight Riders 136/4 in 20 overs (Unmukt Chand 59, Sherfane Rutherford 29; Pollard 1/12).