MI vs RCB: Decoding Kieron Pollard's performance against Yuzvendra Chahal
Mumbai Indians will lock horns with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in game number 48 of IPL 2020. With doubts over Rohit Sharma's spot, all-rounder Kieron Pollard could once again lead MI in the upcoming encounter. The latter boasts a terrific batting record against RCB, however, spinners often find a way to outfox him. Let us analyze Pollard's performance against leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.
A look at the interesting battle
In the IPL, Pollard has amassed 2,969 runs from 159 matches at 32.10. On the other hand, Chahal owns 116 wickets in 95 matches, including a best match haul of 4/25. So far, Pollard has managed to score 69 runs off 43 balls by Chahal, while Chahal has dismissed him four times. Chahal seems to have gained the edge over Pollard.
Pollard vs RCB, Chahal vs MI
Pollard has a decent record against RCB in the IPL. In 20 games, he has racked up 533 runs at a strike-rate of 166.56. The tally also includes 32 sixes and 39 fours. Besides, Chahal has 17 wickets from 12 matches against MI (Best: 4/38).
Pollard averages 185 in death overs this season
In the ongoing season, Pollard has been in sublime touch with the bat. He averages an astronomical 107.00, having scored 214 runs from 11 matches, so far. Majority of his runs have been registered in the death overs, wherein his average further surges to 185.00. Meanwhile, Chahal has owned the middle phase (7-15), taking 11 wickets at an average of 15.18.
A strike-rate of 205.93 in death overs against RCB
Pollard carries a strike-rate of 205.93 in the death overs against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Over the years, he has aggregated 278 runs from 22 matches against them in these overs. Overall, Pollard maintains a healthy strike-rate of 173.57 at the death.
What to expect?
In a strange scenario, none of MI and RCB will qualify by winning today's encounter. The top-two sides will still have to win two of their remaining three games in order to secure the playoffs berth. Pollard, who has scores of 18, 13*, 60*, 47*, 25*, 11*, 34*, and 6*, would want to counter-attack Chahal. Meanwhile, Chahal could dismiss him a record fifth time.
