On March 14, 2021, Kieron Pollard became the third player in international cricket to hit six sixes in an over during a T20I match against Sri Lanka. His explosive batting performance helped the West Indies secure a four-wicket victory, recovering from a hat-trick taken by Akila Dananjaya. Pollard’s achievement is significant, placing him alongside Herschelle Gibbs and Yuvraj Singh in cricket history.
On March 14, 2021, Kieron Pollard made history in international cricket by hitting six consecutive sixes in an over during a T20I match against Sri Lanka at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua. With this remarkable achievement, he became only the third player ever to accomplish this feat, following in the footsteps of Herschelle Gibbs and Yuvraj Singh. Pollard’s remarkable performance played a pivotal role in the West Indies securing a four-wicket victory, especially after Sri Lankan bowler Akila Dananjaya had taken a hat-trick earlier in the game.
Sri Lanka initiated the match by scoring 131 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs, with Pathum Nissanka emerging as the top scorer, securing 39 runs off 34 balls. The West Indies bowlers, particularly Obed McCoy with figures of 2 for 25, effectively limited the Sri Lankan batsmen’s scoring opportunities. In the run chase, the West Indies openers, Evin Lewis and Lendl Simmons, made an explosive start, combining for 52 runs within just 19 balls before Dananjaya’s extraordinary hat-trick changed the momentum.
Dananjaya’s hat-trick unfolded dramatically in the fourth over, where he dismissed Lewis, Gayle, and Pooran in consecutive deliveries. This sudden turn saw the West Indies tumble from a strong 52 without loss to 52 for 3, allowing Sri Lanka to claw back into the match. Nevertheless, Pollard remained undeterred and responded brilliantly against Dananjaya in the sixth over, hammering six consecutive sixes and showcasing his exceptional power-hitting abilities to change the course of the game.
Polling’s onslaught included a series of remarkable shots, starting with a powerful slog-sweep, followed by shots over the sightscreen, long-off, and long-on. His display of athleticism and precision not only underscored his talent but also marked him as only the third player in international cricket history to achieve such a feat, thus joining the ranks of Gibbs and Yuvraj, who performed similar feats in earlier World Cups.
Ultimately, Pollard’s explosive batting contributed significantly to the West Indies’ successful chase as he made 38 runs off just 11 balls. Even after his dismissal, the team continued to perform well, with Jason Holder scoring an unbeaten 29 to secure the win, concluding at 134 for 6 in 13.1 overs. Pollard reflected on his performance, stating, “I just had to come out and back myself. It was something the team needed. I didn’t see the hat-trick, I only heard. But I still had to come out and do what the team required at that point in time. After the third six, I felt it was possible. I went for it and it paid off.”
In summary, Kieron Pollard’s achievement of hitting six sixes in an over against Sri Lanka marks a significant milestone in his career and in international cricket. Despite a dramatic turn of events due to Sri Lanka’s hat-trick, Pollard’s extraordinary performance helped to steer the West Indies to victory. This event further establishes Pollard’s legacy within the sport, joining esteemed ranks alongside previous record holders Yuvraj Singh and Herschelle Gibbs.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
