Nicholas Pooran (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)
Nicholas Pooran showcased his brilliance during the Major League Cricket final on July 30, receiving accolades from the cricketing community. The recent news of his omission from the West Indies squad for the One-Day International (ODI) series against India had left many puzzled. However, the reason behind it was his dedication to the Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States, where he was representing MI New York.
Pooran’s batting prowess was evident during the World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe, where he made a total of 296 runs, securing the second-highest position on the scoring charts. Among his memorable innings were a brisk 115 against Nepal and an unbeaten 104, even in the face of a Super Over defeat to the Netherlands.
But it was the MLC 2023 final that truly defined Pooran’s mettle. Chasing a daunting target of 184 runs, the dynamic left-handed batter exhibited sheer brilliance, making a century in just 40 balls. His splendid knock of 137* runs off 55 balls propelled MI New York to victory, securing the inaugural MLC title.
In light of this exceptional feat, Kieron Pollard conveyed his admiration for Pooran through a cryptic yet heartfelt message on Instagram. Pollard commended Pooran’s extraordinary innings and expressed immense pride in his achievements. He encouraged the young cricketer to dismiss his detractors with a smile and allow his bat to respond eloquently to any criticism.
“Special , special , special. You deserve all the accolades that come with tonight’s match. Very proud and happy to sit back and watch you continue to excel. More to come, the behind the scene work you continue to reap the rewards . Continue to rise above, justsmile at the egotistical individuals and let your bat do the talking. imagine the world was almost robbed of this knock today,” said Pollard.
Currently, West Indies find themselves in an intriguing position, with the ODI series against India tied at 1-1 after two matches. As they gear up for the final ODI, the team will be eager to secure a victory, which would not only clinch the series but also serve as a significant morale boost after not being able to qualify for the ODI World Cup 2023.