Kieron Pollard Powers MI New York to Last-Over Win and Ends Knight Riders’ Playoff Hopes

Kieron Pollard delivered a game-changing all-round performance as MI New York edged past the Los Angeles Knight Riders by 6 runs in a tense last-over finish. With this victory, MI New York kept their MLC 2025 playoff hopes alive while officially knocking LA out of contention.

Pollard’s Heroics Lift MI New York

On a sluggish surface, MI New York struggled early. The top order collapsed during the powerplay as Shadley van Schalkwyk removed Quinton de Kock and Tajinder Singh, and Corne Dry struck a major blow by dismissing tournament top-scorer Monank Patel.

Nicholas Pooran attempted to stabilize the innings with 30 off 24 balls before falling to Sunil Narine, and Michael Bracewell departed shortly after. MI New York looked in trouble at 89 for 5, but Pollard had other plans.

He launched into the attack in the 17th over, smashing Andre Russell for consecutive sixes. After a brief pause in momentum, he went again, hitting van Schalkwyk for two more sixes before Jason Holder caught him in the deep. Pollard’s 50 off 36 balls pushed MI New York to a defendable total of 142 for 9.

Knight Riders Collapse Under Pressure

Chasing 143 to stay in the playoff race, LA Knight Riders lost Andre Fletcher early. Unmukt Chand and Alex Hales rebuilt slowly, with Hales contributing 21 off 26 balls before falling. Chand anchored the innings with a patient 59, while Sherfane Rutherford added 29 to keep LA on track.

At one point, LA needed only 29 runs from 18 balls with eight wickets in hand. But Pollard returned to bowl a crucial penultimate over, conceding just five runs and removing Rutherford. That overturned the momentum in MI New York’s favor.

With 16 required from the final over, LA made a surprise decision to retire Chand and send in Jason Holder. However, Ehsan Adil held his nerve, delivering an outstanding over under pressure and sealing a 6-run win for MI New York.

Playoff Picture Heats Up

• MI New York now sits level on points with Seattle Orcas, but holds an advantage in Net Run Rate.
• LA Knight Riders, despite flashes of brilliance, end their season with only one win and are officially eliminated.
• MI New York will now face Washington Freedom in their final league match, watching closely as Seattle takes on Texas Super Kings.

Match Summary

MI New York beat LA Knight Riders by 6 runs

MI New York: 142 for 9 in 20 overs (Kieron Pollard 50, Nicholas Pooran 30; Shadley van Schalkwyk 3 for 24, Corne Dry 2 for 25, Jason Holder 2 for 28)

LA Knight Riders: 136 for 4 in 20 overs (Unmukt Chand 59, Sherfane Rutherford 29, Alex Hales 21; Nosthush Kenjige 1 for 14, Kieron Pollard 1 for 12)

Headed to a Match? Let Sanskar Savvy Be Your Guide!

Whether you’re in Florida, Texas, or California, check out our Major League Cricket Hub and our Community Cricket Fan Guides packed with things to do near the stadium, food recommendations, tips for first-time attendees, and how to get involved.

Stay in the loop with the latest cricket match updates, concerts, and South Asian entertainment news by joining our VIP newsletter.