Nicholas Pooran made an unbeaten 62 runs out of 37 balls to give the defending champions MI New York a winning start in Major League Cricket 2024, beating Seattle Orcas by six wickets at Morrisville’s Church Street Park.
So, Pollard’s men decided to field first after winning the toss and they were able to restrict Seattle Orcas to just 108 all out in only 19.1 overs.
Those were Trent Boult and Rashid Khan, who took two hat tricks apiece; their captain Pollard had also claimed two dismissals.
Thirdly, MI New York had some bumps along the way as they lost two wickets for mere sixteen runs against a target of 108.
However, Pooran led his side home with a stunning knock of two sixes and seven fours from just thirty-seven deliveries that completed the chase within fourteen point two overs only.
Pooran was named man of the match for his wonderful batting performance.
“We want to start well and take confidence going into this competition. Our powerplay was brilliant, then we had Rashid (Khan) coming in doing what he does for us – picking up wickets. It was crucial that everybody chipped in today,” said Pooran during the post-match interview.
“I believe that it is significant to recognize whatever is happening on the ground. I played to each delivery based on its quality,” he added while referring to his innings which came off only thirty-seven balls.
MI New York skipper Pollard praised both Pooran and Rashid Khan after their victory over Orcas in the tournament opener.
“It was a good toss to win, bowling first especially on this heat. The bowlers did really well sticking to their plans throughout. We have made some changes within our squad but everyone knows their role as well,” said Pollard commenting about games against orcas before saying that “Once again back when we bought him in the auction, myself, Mr. Prasad, and all the management, we said that irrespective of whether he played or not we would at least have a youngster with us to carry drinks.”
“And then we thought it was nice to start off with victory as well as look ahead to the next game which is coming up soon,” added Pollard.
