Mumbai Indians pull off incredible heist as Kieron Pollard notches up fastest fifty in IPL 2021

Mumbai Indians pulled off an incredible heist as all-rounder Kieron Pollard notched up the fastest half-century in IPL 2021 going past the mark in just 17 deliveries. Chasing a huge total of 219 runs against Chennai Super Kings in Delhi, Pollard singlehandedly took the game away from Chennai scoring 87 off 34 deliveries. This was the second-highest chase to have ever been completed in the history of the Indian Premier League.

The right-handed West Indies cricketer had already scored 3 boundaries and 6 sixes as he reached his half-century. He then took the game by the scruff of its neck and finished with 6 boundaries and 8 sixes to take his team over the line. MI required 125 runs in their last eight overs at a rate of 15.63, from there on, Pollard went to hit the likes of Ravi Jadeja for three maximums in the next over.

Despite losing shape late in the chase Pollard made sure that MI did not falter in the final over where the required 16 runs from the last 5 balls. He hit Lungi Ngidi for 2 fours and a six to take his team over the line.

Earlier, MI were handed a target of 219 in 20 overs and the Rohit Sharma-led side began the proceedings well after the captain Sharma and wicket-keeper batsman Quinton de Kock put 71 runs on the board for first wicket before Rohit departed. 

Mumbai then lost few wickets in quick succession but Pollard joined hands with Krunal Pandya and the two batsmen put on a partnership of over 50 runs for the fourth wicket before Krunal was dismissed for 32 off 23. 

Earlier, CSK rode on a carnage from Ambati Rayudu to post 218/4. Rayudu remained unbeaten at 72 off 27 that involved 7 sixes and four fours during the course. 

Apart from him, Faf du Plessis and Moeen Ali also recorded individual half-centuries. CSK are presently sitting at the top of the table while MI are at number four.