Kieron Pollard Scripts History with 700 T20 Matches
1. A Landmark Moment in T20 Cricket
In a historic milestone for T20 cricket, Kieron Pollard, the powerhouse West Indies all-rounder, has become the first cricketer in the world to play 700 T20 matches. This incredible feat was achieved during Match 14 of Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025, where MI New York faced San Francisco Unicorns at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on June 24, 2025.
Pollard, who has been one of the most dominant and consistent performers in the T20 format globally, continues to showcase his value on the field even in his 17th year as a T20 player.
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2. A Glittering T20 Career: By the Numbers
Before entering his 700th match, Pollard had already etched his name in the record books:
Matches: 699
Runs: 13,634
Batting Average: 31.34
Strike Rate: Above 150 (across formats)
Wickets: 326
Bowling Economy: 8.26
Pollard’s unique contribution as a destructive middle-order batter, a handy bowler, and a leader in multiple franchises has made him a T20 legend.
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3. Pollard’s Impact Beyond Numbers
More than just statistics, Pollard has impacted franchises, inspired younger cricketers, and played key leadership roles. Whether it was Mumbai Indians in the IPL, Trinbago Knight Riders in CPL, or now MI New York in MLC—his presence often shifts the game’s momentum.
His ability to finish games, soak pressure, and deliver in clutch moments makes him a revered name in all leagues he has participated in.
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4. A New Chapter with MI New York
Kieron Pollard currently leads MI New York, a franchise backed by Mumbai Indians in the growing American cricket league, Major League Cricket. His influence on the team has been visible—on and off the field—whether by performance or mentorship.
Even in his 700th match, Pollard showed his value by being the highest wicket-taker for MI New York in the first innings against San Francisco Unicorns.
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5. The Match Itself: Unicorns Light Up Dallas
Although Pollard’s 700th match was the headline, the San Francisco Unicorns stole the spotlight in the first innings with an explosive batting performance.
After losing the toss, the Unicorns were asked to bat first and responded with a batting masterclass:
Matthew Short: 91 (off 41 balls)
Tim Seifert: 26
Jake Fraser-McGurk: 64 (off just 26 balls)
Sanjay Krishnamurthi: 27*
Hassan Khan: 31*
They finished with a massive total of 246/4, which became the second-highest team score in the history of the Major League Cricket tournament.
6. MI New York Bowling: A Struggle on Flat Deck
The MI New York bowling attack found it difficult to contain the San Francisco batters on a flat Dallas wicket. However, Pollard stood out with two wickets, while Nosthush Kenjige and Naveen-ul-Haq chipped in with one each.
Despite those breakthroughs, the sheer brutality of San Francisco’s batting left New York with a daunting chase of 247.
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7. Major League Cricket: Rising Platform, Global Stars
Pollard’s record-breaking game coming in MLC 2025 is a testament to the league’s rising stature. With global icons like Pollard, Trent Boult, Rashid Khan, and Andre Russell participating, the MLC is quickly becoming a vital tournament in the global T20 calendar.
For Pollard, who has already played in IPL, BBL, CPL, PSL, and other T20 leagues, adding this landmark in a new league underscores the evolving journey of T20 cricket and its stars.
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8. Pollard’s Legacy: T20’s Ultimate Warrior
From debuting in 2006 to playing 700 matches by 2025, Pollard’s journey is nothing short of legendary. His legacy will not just be the runs and wickets—but the template he created for a modern-day T20 all-rounder.
He has been the go-to finisher for nearly two decades, a bowler in need during crunch overs, and a field marshal in the deep with incredible reflexes. His presence has lifted teams across the globe.
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9. Reactions and Tributes Pour In
Soon after Pollard reached the 700-match mark, tributes flooded social media from fans, former teammates, and cricket experts. MI New York posted a celebratory message, and franchise owners of Mumbai Indians acknowledged Pollard’s enduring contribution to the game.
Even rival franchises paid their respect, with some calling Pollard the “Ironman of T20 cricket.”
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10. What Lies Ahead for the T20 Veteran?
While questions about retirement always loom around veterans, Pollard shows no signs of slowing down. His fitness, form, and passion remain strong, and he’s currently focused on leading MI New York to MLC 2025 glory.
With new leagues emerging and the T20 World Cup formats changing, we might see Pollard mentoring new talent and possibly taking on more coaching or managerial roles in the future.
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Conclusion: Pollard’s 700 – A Beacon of T20 Excellence
Kieron Pollard’s 700th T20 match isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a celebration of T20 cricket’s journey over the last two decades. His adaptability, power, resilience, and unmatched experience make him a symbol of the format’s growth.
In a world obsessed with records, Pollard has carved a niche not by chasing numbers but by creating an impact across continents, teams, and generations.
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