[WATCH] MLC 2026: Kieron Pollard’s standoff sparks memories of iconic Mitchell Starc face-off

MI New York veteran Kieron Pollard rolled back the years with a sensational unbeaten century against Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026, but his heroic effort ultimately came in a losing cause at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on June 21.

While Pollard’s hundred grabbed headlines, one particular moment during the chase sparked memories of one of cricket’s most famous on-field confrontations. In the ninth over, Washington Freedom pacer Asif Mehmood delivered a ball that Pollard struck straight back towards him. Mehmood collected the ball and appeared to gesture as if he would throw it at the batter. In response, Pollard instinctively raised his bat before the bowler decided against taking any further action.

The incident immediately reminded fans of Pollard’s memorable face-off with Mitchell Starc during the Indian Premier League several years ago. In that famous encounter, tensions flared after Starc threw the ball towards Pollard, who reacted by lifting his bat in a dramatic standoff. The similarity of the latest incident quickly became a talking point among cricket fans on social media.

As for the match itself, Washington Freedom produced a batting masterclass after being put in to bat. Opening batter Mitchell Owen was the star of the show, smashing a remarkable 155 runs off just 68 deliveries. The Australian batter tore into the MI New York bowling attack, striking 11 boundaries and 13 sixes at a stunning strike rate of 227.94.

Owen’s explosive innings powered Washington Freedom to a mammoth total of 245/5 in their allotted 20 overs. MI New York’s bowlers struggled to contain the run flow, although five different bowlers managed to pick up a wicket each.

In reply, MI New York needed a strong start but found themselves under pressure against a disciplined Freedom bowling attack. Pollard, however, kept his side in the hunt with a vintage display of power-hitting. The former West Indies captain remained unbeaten on exactly 100 from 56 balls, hitting 11 fours and four sixes while maintaining a strike rate of 178.57.

Despite Pollard’s brilliance, MI New York fell short of the daunting target, finishing on 215/6 in their 20 overs and losing by 30 runs. Washington Freedom skipper Glenn Maxwell also made a valuable contribution with the ball, returning figures of 2/37 from his four-over spell to help secure an important victory for his side.