A batting masterclass from Kieron Pollard bailed Mumbai Indians out of a high target chase in the nick of the time. The sensational stroke-hitting from the Caribbean sealed a win to remember for the Mumbai Indians. It is the first time that the team has chased a 200+ score in the history of this tournament, and they’ve done it in style! 

To chase 219 against a quality team is no child’s play. Pollard’s 87* (34), the 35-odd runs from each of the openers, and Krunal Pandya’s 32 (23), all had their own parts to play in the fantastic chase. 

In the later part of the game, Hardik Pandya too came in and contributed with a couple of sixes to keep the acceleration in check. Immediately after the match, the younger Pandya brother shared his thoughts with the media persons. 

“We have arrived at the right time in the tournament”: Hardik Pandya 

“After winning this sort of a game you’ve got to be pumped for the rest of the night, I guess. When he (Pollard) does something like this you are genuinely speechless. The best part is that he has done it over the years again and again. Bloody fantastic. I mean, I will say inspirational to watch someone do it consistently and do something this amazing.” 

“I would have loved to finish the game, but us winning the game was more important. 210 (218), the game can't get better than this. Especially for me when you are chasing something like this, you don't have to think much. You just go and swing. The best part was the six I hit. I didn't even hit it properly. For me, it's more important. I feel we have arrived at the right time of the tournament now. I feel for us this game was very important. This momentum is going to help us do wonders I think. Again special mention to Polly, I am just very proud of him.” 

In the post-match presentation ceremony, where, of course, Polly took away a chunk of the laurels, the Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma and the man in the limelight spoke about today’s game. Below are excerpts from the same. 

“One of the best innings from Polly”: Rohit Sharma 

“This is probably one of the best T20 games that I've been part of. One of the best innings also, you can say, from Polly. I know it's always tough for the bowlers on a good pitch and smaller ground. We wanted to stay positive once we finished bowling our 20 overs. We got a good start and saw what happened.” 

“We just had a brief chat at the innings break and said it was a good pitch. We had shot-makers in our batting line-up and we just wanted to take the game in the end. Brilliant partnership at the top and the Krunal-Polly partnership was also there.” 

“We backed Krunal at No.4 and he's coming off good form in domestic cricket. A left-hander always makes a difference even though CSK have an offspinner. It suits our style of play and yes the bowlers will be under pressure, but that's where you back the bowlers. There will be games where the bowlers will go for runs, but it's important to back your core group of bowlers.” 

“It was about time the batting stood out”: Kieron Pollard 

“First of all, I want to thank the almighty for watching over me and giving me the strength. So, yeah, started to bowl. Obviously being a small ground, we thought it was the best time for the seamer to bowl. They have four overs of spin on a small ground and I looked to hit some sixes against spin. I had to maximise that over from Jadeja. That would always keep us in the game.” 

“Each and every time as an individual you have to evolve. Guys bowl wide and a lot of practice goes into it. I can't say I'm 360, but I'm maximising hitting through the offside. I was fortunate Faf gave me the chance. Good wicket, but the bowlers didn't do well for us. It was about time the batting stood out. The two wins in the last two games hopefully give us the momentum going into the back end of the tournament.” 

The Big Man rose to the occasion today. The middle-order, under fire for their previous performances throughout the tournament, came to the party. The Men in Blue and Gold have found momentum. It’s time to build on it and march ahead in the tournament.