MLC 2026 : Kieron Pollard engages in heated exchange with Shubham Ranjane during MINY vs TSK clash

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Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 delivered another entertaining chapter on Sunday as defending champions MI New York (MINY) secured their first victory of the season with an impressive eight-wicket win over Texas Super Kings (TSK). While the result was important for Nicholas Pooran’s side after their opening-game defeat, a dramatic exchange involving veteran all-rounder Kieron Pollard quickly became one of the biggest talking points of the match.

Pollard, known throughout his career for his competitive nature and on-field presence, was once again involved in a moment that grabbed the attention of fans and commentators alike. The incident occurred midway through the Texas innings and added an extra layer of drama to an already engaging contest.

The exchange took place during the 12th over of the Texas Super Kings innings when Pollard brought himself into the attack. On the second ball of the over, Shubham Ranjane nudged the delivery towards deep square leg and immediately set off for a run. As the batters attempted to come back for a second, Ranjane and Pollard appeared to make slight contact while crossing paths in the middle of the pitch. Although the collision seemed accidental, it appeared to spark some tension between the two players.

The drama intensified before the next delivery. Pollard initially began his run-up but suddenly pulled out of his bowling action at the last moment. Ranjane responded by stepping away from the crease and removing himself from his batting stance. What followed was a prolonged stare-down between the two cricketers as players and officials watched the situation unfold.

In a light-hearted yet competitive continuation of the exchange, Pollard completed his bowling action despite Ranjane not being ready to face the delivery. The umpires eventually stepped in to calm matters down before play resumed. The incident quickly went viral on social media, with fans enjoying the spirited battle between the experienced West Indian and the former IPL player.

You do NOT want to get in the way of a moving #KieronPollard! 💥

Things boiled over in #MLC! A mid-pitch collision triggered an epic #KieronPollard stare-down, forcing #ShubhamRanjane to pull out on the next ball 🤯

Watch #MLC LIVE on Star Sports & JioHotstar!

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 22, 2026

Also READ: Nicholas Pooran’s unbeaten fifty powers MI New York to first win of MLC 2026 against Texas Super Kings

While Pollard’s exchange with Ranjane generated plenty of attention, MI New York ultimately had the last laugh on the scoreboard. Batting first, Texas Super Kings were bowled out for 158 in 19.2 overs. Ranjane top-scored with 49 runs off 36 deliveries, striking four boundaries and one six. Milind Kumar also made a useful contribution with 39 runs.

MI New York’s bowling attack was led superbly by Corbin Bosch, who returned outstanding figures of 4 for 29 from his four overs. Trent Boult provided excellent support with three wickets as the defending champions kept Texas under pressure throughout the innings. Chasing 159 for victory, MINY got off to a solid start through Quinton de Kock and Monank Patel, who added 49 runs for the opening wicket. De Kock contributed 26 before Patel followed up with a valuable 46 off 34 deliveries.

Captain Nicholas Pooran then took charge of the chase with a composed unbeaten knock of 68 from 46 balls, including six fours and three sixes. His innings ensured there were no late hiccups as MI New York comfortably reached the target with 16 balls to spare and eight wickets in hand. The victory helped MINY bounce back from their opening defeat and get their title defence underway, while Texas Super Kings were left searching for answers after a disappointing batting performance despite Ranjane’s fighting effort.

Also WATCH: Trent Boult hits the bullseye to dismiss Amshi de Silva in TSK vs MINY clash at MLC 2026