Gambles we took paid off, says Kieron Pollard | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Gambles we took paid off, says Kieron Pollard

PTI | By, Mumbai
Apr 12, 2012 01:07 PM IST

Big-hitting West Indian all-rounder Kieron Pollard says the gamble Mumbai Indians took worked for the team in the win over Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League.

Big-hitting West Indian all-rounder Kieron Pollard says the gamble Mumbai Indians took worked for the team in the win over Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League.

The 24-year-old Trinidadian, who scored a blistering 64 off 33 balls and grabbed four for 44, referred to bringing back pace spearhead Lasith Malinga to bowl the 15th over and his promotion in the batting order, as the two gambles taken by his team.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

"We took a gamble in bringing back Malinga (in the 15th over) to get a wicket as Owais Shah was batting pretty well. So we took the gamble and it worked for us. Some days it would work, some day's it wouldn't.

"This is T20 cricket. It just takes just one chance and one over to change the game," he said after MI's 27-run victory last night that pitchforked the team into the top of the league table.

Malinga stumped Royals' charge by getting rid off Shah, who made a belligerent 76 off 42 balls, off the first ball of his new spell, which turned the match in MI's favour.

About his promotion in the batting order Pollard said, "I batted at 5 today. (In the) first game I didn't bat, (in the) second game I batted at 7. Some days it would come off, some days it wouldn't. Today it was a good day and it came off.

"I just play my game and know exactly what to do. I am coming off a series against Australia (T20 and ODI). It's just a matter of continuing (what I did), adapting to the conditions here in India, continue what I was doing. I would take it from there, game by game and situation by situation (batting higher up)," he said.

Against Australia in the ODI series, he mustered knocks of 4, 47 not out, 36, 102 and 33.

The West Indian all-rounder, who brought off a few outstanding stops on the boundary besides taking a catch, was happy to get his first fifty in his IPL career and said it would boost his confidence.

"It's my first 50. I don't think you expect me to get a fifty from 17 to 20 overs. I got the opportunity today, it worked for us. It was the first for me and has given me the confidence."

Pollard said the team had gained some momentum with back-to-back wins over Deccan Chargers and RR.

"Yes it's an important victory, first in a home game. We have to make use of 7 or 8 of them. We have the momentum but it's important to continue that throughout the tournament."

He was of the opinion that the wicket at the Wankhede Stadium for Wednesday's game was a better one for batting than the previous one against Pune Warriors on April 6.

"This one was a better track, with the ball coming on to the bat. We batted well... We knew a score of 160 wouldn't be enough on this."

In a lighter vein he said he wanted to teach his Trinidadian compatriot Kevon Cooper a lesson, when asked about the six he hit off the Royals' bowler off the first ball he faced from his countryman.

"We have played junior cricket (for Trinidad and Tobago under 19) together. (Jokingly) I just wanted to teach him a lesson (first ball six). We could later laugh about it. But it’s good for him playing for Rajasthan Royals. I am happy for him. All of us are trying to play our best. I hope he continues the good work."

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On