Veteran Multan Sultans all-rounder Kieron Pollard picked two wickets in as many overs to bring his team back into the contest in the 20th match of the ongoing eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League against Lahore Qalandars at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Advertisement
Seventh bowler to be introduced into the attack by captain Mohammad Rizwan tonight, it took Pollard only four balls to put an end to a 46-ball 69-run third-wicket partnership between batter Abdullah Shafique (48) and wicket-keeper batter Sam Billings (54).
In a couple of overs that he bowled on Saturday, Pollard gave away 16 runs whilst dismissing both Shafique and Billings within successive overs to hand the opposition with massive blows before the slog overs. The fact that Pollard was bowling only for the second time in the season speaks highly about his tendency to deliver in crunch situations.
Kieron Pollard gives angry send-off to Abdullah Shafique
It all happened on the fourth delivery of the 13th over when Shafique attempted to slam a full and wide Pollard delivery over his head only to see the bowler grab a stunning catch using both the hands.
With the ball hit hard at him, Pollard had no time to react but swift reflexes came to his rescue. The 35-year old player not only picked a wicket but also made it a point to provide an angry send-off to the batter. Pollard was clearly seen telling Shafique the direction to walk back to the dressing room.
As cool as you like 😎@KieronPollard55 sends Abdullah Shafique on his way ☝️#HBLPSL8 | #SabSitarayHumaray | #LQvMS pic.twitter.com/nf70oabFBX
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 4, 2023
Defending champions Qalandars, however, still managed to put on board 180/9 in 20 overs after captain Shaheen Shah Afridi (9) won the toss and chose to bat at their home ground.
While Pollard ended up being the pick of the bowlers for Sultans, the likes of Anwar Ali (2/21), Abbas Afridi (2/25) and Ihsanullah (2/33) also dismissed a couple of batters each on Saturday.
