In a pulsating battle at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on Match 17 of The Hundred Men’s Competition, Kieron Pollard nearly flattened the legendary left-handed batsman of Sri Lanka, Kumar Sangakkara, with a six that crashed into the commentary box. Coming in to bat at no. five for Southern Brave, Pollard contributed 17 off 12 balls with two massive sixes.
It was the 84th ball of the match when a dramatic incident took place. Pollard pulled a short delivery from Haris Rauf towards the fine leg boundary; it soared high and at speed, crashing into the commentary box where Sangakkara and fellow commentator Robert Croft were stationed.
The Missile heading straight for them meant both commentators had to engage in evasive action to protect themselves. Croft was obviously shaken, trying to break a bit of tension, and bantered his team about not telling him that the ball was coming.
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The match itself saw Southern Brave set a total of 139/5, which captain James Vince led from the front. His 73 was made off 50 balls and included seven fours and three sixes. This was laid by the opening partnership between Alex Davies and Vince, which added 55 runs off 42 balls.
When @RDBCroft10‘s life flashed before his eyes 😵#TheHundred pic.twitter.com/trHo8UbgN3
— The Hundred (@thehundred) August 5, 2024
Vince did not let up with the loss of Davies, backed by Leus du Plooy, who scored 21 off 13 balls, and Pollard’s quick contribution. Haris Rauf was outstanding for the Fire, turning in returns of 2/22 in his 20 balls. The chase never got going for Welsh Fire. They were bowled out for 97 in 95 balls.
Tymal Mills was the hero with the ball, returning 4/16 in his 20 balls as Southern Brave won by 42 runs, while Danny Briggs provided fine support with 3/14. This comprehensive victory sealed the deal at the top of the points table for the Southern Brave, winning eight points out of five matches.
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In contrast, Welsh Fire were left languishing in fifth place, with four points from their five outings. This game was representative of the many cases of destructive Pollard batting and a magnificent display of Mills and Briggs’s bowling prowess—another case of the competitive spirit and fanfare of the Hundred Men’s event.
