ON THIS DAY ON 2013: Mumbai Indians might be having five IPL trophies currently in their kitty but it took six seasons for them to secure their maiden silverware. West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard showcased his terrific all-around skills to help Mumbai Indians in clinching their first-ever IPL trophy on May 26, 2013.
Batting first, Mumbai lost their first three wickets putting just 16 runs on the board. But then the 35-year-old all-rounder came down to bat. Pollard along with Ambati Rayudu (37 runs off 36 balls) stitched a crucial partnership of 48 runs off 34 deliveries to help their side in reaching a formidable total.
Rayudu was dismissed in the 16th over of the match but Pollard continued his onslaught. The Trinidad and Tobago-born cricketer eventually went on to score 60 runs off 32 balls. His innings was comprised of 7 boundaries and 3 sixes. Pollard’s innings proved to be a saviour as Mumbai managed to overcome the early danger and ultimately they registered a defendable total of 148/9 in 20 overs.
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For Chennai, their all-rounder Dwayne Bravo had picked up four wickets in the match.
The MS Dhoni-led started the run chase on a horrible note as Mumbai scalped six wickets conceding just 39 runs. But, skipper Dhoni played a remarkable innings of 63 (not out) off 45 balls to save his side from an utter humiliation. The Chennai skipper had smashed 3 boundaries and 5 sixes during his wonderful knock. But ultimately his heroics proved to be inconsequential as Chennai could manage to reach a total of 125/9 in 20 overs.
Lasith Malinga, Mitchell Johnson and Harbhajan Singh bagged two wickets each to earn the maiden IPL trophy for Mumbai. After his match-winning knock, Pollard also managed to do an impactful job in the bowling department as he picked up a wicket to dismiss Ravichandran Ashwin. The West Indian all-rounder was also adjudged Man of the Match for his terrific all-round show.