Kieron Pollard played a blinder (87* off 34) as Mumbai Indians (MI) beat table-toppers Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 4 wickets in the thrilling 27th match of the IPL 2021, here on Saturday.

Ambati Rayudu’s quickfire fifty (72* off 27) powered Chennai Super Kings to 218/4 in 20 overs after being asked to bat.

Apart from Rayudu, Moeen Ali (58) and Faf du Plessis (50) also smashed fifties and shared a 108-run stand for the second wicket, which laid the foundation for CSK’s big score.

For Mumbai, Kieron Pollard (2/12) picked two wickets while Trent Boult (1/42) and Jasprit Bumrah (1/56) claimed one wicket each.

Chasing a huge target, MI were off to a brisk start with Rohit Sharma (35) and Quinton de Kock (38) putting on 71 runs for the first wicket in just 7.1 overs.

However, wickets fell in quick succession during the middle overs to leave MI at 81 for three in the 10th over. But Pollard kept one end safe and added a threatening 81-run partnership with Krunal Pandya by hitting a barrage of sixes and fours.

Sam Curran then bowled a brilliant 17th over and dismissed Krunal Pandya (32) to bring CSK back into the match.

In the end, Pollard’s 34-ball 87 proved enough for Mumbai to reach the target on the final delivery of the contest.

This was the second highest run-chase in the IPL history.

Sam Curran (3/34) was the most successful bowler for CSK.

Brief Scores

Chennai Super Kings: 218 for four in 20 overs (Ambati Rayudu 72 not out, Moeen Ali 58, Faf du Plessis 50; Kieron Pollard 2/12, Trent Boult 1/42, Jasprit Bumrah 1/56). Mumbai Indians: 219/6 in 20 over (Kieron Pollard 87 not out; Sam Curran 3/34).