Following an overwhelming defeat against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) earlier in the tournament, Mumbai Indians (MI) had revenge on their minds when they hosted the Preity Zinta co-owned franchise at the Wankhede stadium on 10th April. A solid top-order batting performance by KXIP had led to an embarrassing eight-wicket loss for the three-time IPL champions at the PCA stadium. And Mumbai knew it wasn't going to be easy beating them at the Wankhede either.

A 116-run opening stand between KL Rahul and Chris Gayle got Punjab to a flyer. And then, while Rahul notched up his maiden IPL hundred, Gayle's blazing willow saw him amassing 36-ball 63 as the visitors romped their way to a competitive total of 197 runs. Following Punjab's carnage, Mumbai, in the absence of Rohit Sharma, knew they needed something special if they were to avenge their defeat.

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And, special it was from stand-in skipper Kieron Pollard who finally announced his arrival in the IPL this season.

Leading from the front, the big West Indian, promoting himself to the No. 4 spot, arguably produced one of the most entertaining innings of the tournament this season. The 31-year-old went hammer and tongs at the KXIP bowling attack, slamming a blistering 31-ball 83 which was decorated with three fours and a staggering 10 sixes.

Kieron Pollard last 26 balls:

6 6 4 0 6 0 1 6 6 2 1 0 1 6 1 0 6 1 4 0 6 6 1 6 4 W

Brilliant innings under pressure!

— IPL (@Icc_power) April 10, 2019

Though he couldn't finish the game for his side, falling to Ankit Rajpoot's short of a length delivery in the final over, Pollard's game-changing knock inflicted a three-wicket loss on Punjab and overshadowed the batting geniuses of Rahul and Gayle.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Pollard said: “I would like to thank God. Need to thank him for giving strength to me for doing the things that I do. Also, love to thank my wife, it's her birthday today and I want to dedicate this to her”.

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“We finished on the right end of the result and thanks to God for that to. Obviously, Rohit is the captain of the team and it was only a precautionary measure for the team. He should be back in the next game. I would gladly give it back to him and field at the boundary, while also thinking of what to contribute to the team,” he concluded.

After his 'Man of the Match' performance, the cricket fans were left in awe of Pollard's blitzkrieg which took the social media by storm.

Kieron Pollard is back. Back at his best. Sensational batting. Great finish....

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 10, 2019

POLLAAAAARRRRDDD welldone big fella.. That's pollard special ðªð¥ @KieronPollard55 Enjoy your win brother.. congratulations @mipaltan vs @lionsdenkxip well done @klrahul11 brilliant 100 ðð

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) April 10, 2019

Pollard pollard pollard !!'! Boht hard boht hard boht hard !!!!!! @KieronPollard55 ðð½ðð¤ð»

— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) April 10, 2019

What a thriller this game was. I don't know if I can handle last ball finishes anymore ð  Well played Mumbai ð Chin up @lionsdenkxip & congrats for the ð¯ @klrahul11  #Saddapunjab #MIvsKXIP   #VivoIPL

— Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) April 10, 2019

Unbelievable. Incredible Premier League. #Pollard #MIvKXIP

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 10, 2019

Witnessed one of d best Victory while chasing in d @IPL ð Clean hitting at its best by @KieronPollard55 Congratulations @klrahul11 on ur brilliant hundred. Great 2 see d way @MdShami11 bowled tonight. Exceptional talent he is.He looks in great shape @StarSportsIndia GudNightð´

— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) April 10, 2019

Woah ! What a game. Pollard playing an innings to remember for a long long time on his captaincy debut #MIvKXIP

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) April 10, 2019

Hardik: Kieron Pollard is a legend. Only one man could've done this.#OneFamily #CricketMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians #MIvKXIP pic.twitter.com/YcUKauYTWv

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 10, 2019

That is one of Kieron Pollard's greatest innings. A titanic effort from the original death overs hitter to single-handedly take MI within striking distance. His ability to hit sixes despite mis-timing the ball is unmatched by anyone but Gayle. Huge raw power. #IPL #MIvKXIP

— Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket) April 10, 2019

Kieron Pollard the match winner is back. Won this game single handedly for #MI . Joseph hits the winning runs. The West Indians are rocking the #IPL2019 #MIvKXIP

— jigar mehta (@jigsactin) April 10, 2019

Thats not how batting is defined,  thats brutal toying @KieronPollard55  always a treat to watch

— Gyan (@lostsoul0109) April 10, 2019

This is his best... Haven't seen him better than what he did today...the knock of this year

— Fahir Maithutty (@fahir_me) April 10, 2019

The West-Indian Premier League.. The 'W' is silent in the IPL!!! @KieronPollard55 #IPL #IPL2019 #VIVOIPL #MIvKXIP

— Shubham Misra (@SBM_4007) April 10, 2019

What a thrilling single handed performance by KP @MumbaiIndians_

— Chandrabhan Vishwakarma (@ChandrabhanVi20) April 10, 2019