Choosing to field first at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown proved advantageous for the visiting side as Akeal Hosein took two early wickets in the first over.
Despite this, Quinton de Kock’s 39 and Rovman Powell’s explosive 59 propelled the Barbados Royals to a total of 156. However, Maheesh Theekshana’s three-wicket haul put the Knight Riders on the back foot during the chase.
By the 16th over, with the team at 118 for five, the hopes of Pollard’s finishing heroics were dashed by Naveen’s exceptional bowling.
With 39 runs needed from 22 balls and Pollard at the crease, it would have been daunting for any bowler. Nevertheless, Naveen executed his plan perfectly, delivering a fuller off-cutter outside the stumps.
Pollard attempted to accelerate, aiming to hit the ball out of the park, but instead, he got an inside edge on his slog and the ball crashed into the stumps.
Naveen turning on those flashing lights on Pollard is tonight’s Republic Bank Play of the Day. #CPL24 #BRvTKR #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport #RepublicBank pic.twitter.com/LcOt38g8ht
— CPL T20 (@CPL) September 14, 2024
Naveen’s strategy of keeping the ball away from Pollard’s body paid off, earning him accolades from fans on Twitter for his cleverness in outsmarting the dangerous hitter.
