Main League Cricket (MLC) 2026 delivered one other entertaining chapter on Sunday as defending champions MI New York (MINY) secured their first victory of the season with a formidable eight-wicket win over Texas Tremendous Kings (TSK). Whereas the consequence was essential for Nicholas Pooran’s facet after their opening-game defeat, a dramatic alternate involving veteran all-rounder Kieron Pollard shortly turned one of many greatest speaking factors of the match.
Pollard, identified all through his profession for his aggressive nature and on-field presence, was as soon as once more concerned in a second that grabbed the eye of followers and commentators alike. The incident occurred halfway via the Texas innings and added an additional layer of drama to an already participating contest.
Kieron Pollard and Shubham Ranjane concerned in tense on-field second
The alternate happened throughout the twelfth over of the Texas Tremendous Kings innings when Pollard introduced himself into the assault. On the second ball of the over, Shubham Ranjane nudged the supply in direction of deep sq. leg and instantly set off for a run. Because the batters tried to come back again for a second, Ranjane and Pollard appeared to make slight contact whereas crossing paths in the course of the pitch. Though the collision appeared unintentional, it appeared to spark some rigidity between the 2 gamers.
The drama intensified earlier than the subsequent supply. Pollard initially started his run-up however instantly pulled out of his bowling motion on the final second. Ranjane responded by stepping away from the crease and eradicating himself from his batting stance. What adopted was a chronic stare-down between the 2 cricketers as gamers and officers watched the scenario unfold.
In a light-hearted but aggressive continuation of the alternate, Pollard accomplished his bowling motion regardless of Ranjane not being able to face the supply. The umpires ultimately stepped in to calm issues down earlier than play resumed. The incident shortly went viral on social media, with followers having fun with the spirited battle between the skilled West Indian and the previous IPL participant.
Right here’s the video:
You do NOT wish to get in the best way of a transferring #KieronPollard! 💥
Issues boiled over in #MLC! A mid-pitch collision triggered an epic #KieronPollard stare-down, forcing #ShubhamRanjane to tug out on the subsequent ball 🤯
Watch #MLC LIVE on Star Sports activities & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/Efg01cKiW0
— Star Sports activities (@StarSportsIndia) June 22, 2026
Additionally READ: Nicholas Pooran’s unbeaten fifty powers MI New York to first win of MLC 2026 against Texas Super Kings
Nicholas Pooran guides MI New York to their first win of MLC 2026
Whereas Pollard’s alternate with Ranjane generated loads of consideration, MI New York in the end had the final snigger on the scoreboard. Batting first, Texas Tremendous Kings have been bowled out for 158 in 19.2 overs. Ranjane top-scored with 49 runs off 36 deliveries, placing 4 boundaries and one six. Milind Kumar additionally made a helpful contribution with 39 runs.
MI New York’s bowling assault was led beautifully by Corbin Bosch, who returned excellent figures of 4 for 29 from his 4 overs. Trent Boult offered glorious assist with three wickets because the defending champions saved Texas underneath strain all through the innings. Chasing 159 for victory, MINY bought off to a stable begin via Quinton de Kock and Monank Patel, who added 49 runs for the opening wicket. De Kock contributed 26 earlier than Patel adopted up with a worthwhile 46 off 34 deliveries.
Captain Nicholas Pooran then took cost of the chase with a composed unbeaten knock of 68 from 46 balls, together with six fours and three sixes. His innings ensured there have been no late hiccups as MI New York comfortably reached the goal with 16 balls to spare and eight wickets in hand. The victory helped MINY bounce again from their opening defeat and get their title defence underway, whereas Texas Tremendous Kings have been left looking for solutions after a disappointing batting efficiency regardless of Ranjane’s preventing effort.
Additionally WATCH: Trent Boult hits the bullseye to dismiss Amshi de Silva in TSK vs MINY clash at MLC 2026
