Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : MI New York 188 for 5 (Pooran 75*, David 42, Stoinis 2-34) beat San Francisco Unicorns 184 for 6 (Allen 68, Stoinis 35, Rashid 2-22) by five wickets
Nicholas Pooran delivered a breathtaking display of power-hitting under pressure, smashing an unbeaten 75 off just 38 balls to snatch a dramatic last-over victory for MI New York against the San Francisco Unicorns. In a high-stakes clash with playoff implications, Pooran's masterclass single-handedly rescued his team from a perilous position and reiterated why he is one of the most feared finishers in T20 cricket.
Chasing a challenging 185, MI New York’s star-studded batting lineup faltered early. They were reduced to a precarious 54 for 3 inside the powerplay as the Unicorns’ bowlers maintained a stranglehold. With the required run rate climbing, the defending champions looked to be heading for a costly defeat.
It was then that Pooran, calm amidst the chaos, found a crucial ally in Tim David. The pair orchestrated a sensational 92-run partnership for the fourth wicket. While David played the anchor role initially before exploding late in his innings for a vital 42, Pooran was the chief aggressor. He systematically dismantled the Unicorns' bowling attack, blending brute force with intelligent shot placement. The equation came down to 28 runs required from the final two overs, but Pooran targeted his moments perfectly, sealing the chase with two towering sixes in the final over with three balls to spare.
The Unicorns will be left wondering where it all went wrong after putting up a formidable total. Their innings was built on the back of a blistering assault from opener Finn Allen, who blazed his way to 68 off 31 balls. Allen was at his destructive best, taking the attack to the bowlers from the outset and laying the perfect foundation. Supported by a solid knock from Marcus Stoinis (35), the Unicorns looked set for a score well in excess of 200.
However, the class of MI New York's bowling attack shone through in the middle and death overs. The ever-reliable Rashid Khan applied the brakes with a masterful spell, claiming two key wickets for just 22 runs in his four overs. Trent Boult was equally lethal at the death, using his variations to restrict the scoring and prevent the Unicorns from finishing with the flourish they desired.
Ultimately, those crucial overs proved to be the difference, as MI New York's deep and powerful batting lineup, led by the heroics of Nicholas Pooran, proved just strong enough to get over the line. The win solidifies their position in the top half of the table, while the Unicorns are left with a tough road ahead in their quest for a playoff spot.
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