CPL 2023 [WATCH]: Kieron Pollard’s quartet of sixes in an over paves the way for Trinbago Knight Riders’ triumph over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots

The Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) clinched their inaugural victory in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2023 with a commanding six-wicket triumph over the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots (SKTNP) on Sunday, August 27th, at Warner Park in St. Kitts. This victory was a significant morale boost for the Riders, as they had previously endured a no-result and a 54-run defeat.

Rutherford’s heroic knock propels patriots to a commanding score

The toss was won by the Riders’ captain, Kieron Pollard, who decided to put the Patriots in to bat first. The Patriots, led by their explosive opening pair of Andre Fletcher and Evin Lewis, made a blistering start, amassing 43 runs within the initial four overs. However Dwayne Bravo struck a crucial blow by dismissing both Fletcher and Lewis within a span of just three balls.

Subsequently, Sunil Narine further dented the Patriots’ progress by taking the wickets of Joshua da Silva and Jyd Goolie, leaving the Patriots in a precarious situation. Nonetheless, Sherfane Rutherford, with a fantastic knock of 62 runs off 38 deliveries, displayed remarkable resilience and skills, allowing the Patriots to post a competitive target of 179 runs.

Also WATCH: Sunil Narine becomes first victim of red-card rule in CPL 2023; sent off field after TKR’s slow-over rate violation

Pooran’s outstanding innings keeps Riders in the hunt

In response, the Riders faced early setbacks, losing the wickets of Chadwick Walton and Martin Guptill. Nvertheless, Nicholas Pooran emerged as the anchor for TKR’s innings. He played an exceptional innings, scoring 61 runs from just 32 balls, providing stability and momentum to the chase.

After the departure of Pooran, it was Pollard’s turn to take the center stage, and he did so with sheer dominance. The 39-year-old’s explosive batting display was nothing short of remarkable. In a 15th over bowled by Izharulhaq Naveed, Pollard unleashed an onslaught of four powerful sixes, taking the game by storm.

Kieron Pollard’s four-six onslaught

The over began with Loran Tucker securing a single on the initial delivery. Pollard, who was on strike, unleashed a massive six on the second ball, sending the delivery soaring an incredible 101 meters. The third ball was deemed a no-ball, granting Pollard the opportunity to capitalize on a free hit, although he couldn’t find the boundary, he secured a double to retain strike. The spectacle continued as the Tacarigua-born cricketer hammered a six on the fourth delivery, which traveled an impressive 107 meters, followed by another towering six that covered a distance of 102 meters on the fifth ball. The over reached its conclusion with yet another colossal six, this time spanning a remarkable 95 meters. Naveed consistently bowled short, providing Pollard with the ideal setup to unleash his devastating power-hitting.

Here’s the video: 

Wowza 🤩 @KieronPollard55 SMASHES 4 💯 meter sixes in a row 🔥 #CPL23 #SKNPvTKR #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport #BetBarter pic.twitter.com/qVpn0fRKA1

— CPL T20 (@CPL) August 28, 2023

This remarkable over turned the tide decisively in TKR’s favor, as it yielded an astounding 28 runs. In the end, the combination of Pollard (37* off 16) and Andre Russell (23* off 8) ensured TKR’s emphatic triumph with 17 balls to spare.

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