Watch: Kieron Pollard's aggressive bat gesture towards Junaid Siddique creates tension during ILT20 match

Kieron Pollard (Image source: Twitter)

In a dramatic turn of events during the International League T20 match between MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriors, Kieron Pollard made headlines for an unexpected gesture towards opposing player Junaid Siddique.

After Siddique bowled out Pollard, the Emirates all-rounder surprised onlookers by approaching Siddique and playfully punching him in the stomach. Siddique did not finch from his cross-armed position. The two then proceeded to walk back towards the pavilion together, arm in arm, with smiles on their faces.

Here's the heated moment between Kieron Pollard and Junaid Siddique: 

Hum Nhi Sudhrenge Ft. Pollard😆#ILT20 #CricketTwitterpic.twitter.com/qL6iQezyVs

— ʀᴅ🎩 (@thantophobic_rd) January 21, 2023

The lighthearted moment was a welcome change from the usual competitive tension that is often seen on the cricket field. It was a display of sportsmanship and camaraderie between the two players, who put their rivalry aside for a moment to show their mutual respect and friendship.

When asked if he feared overstepping the mark with his celebration, Siddique said, “No, why would I?”

“If I was the sort of person to be intimidated, I would not have gone up to him in the first place. I didn't sledge him. In fact, he kept staring at me from the non-striker's end, too, while I was bowling. That's why, when I took his wicket, I just went, stood up and just looked at him," concluded the bowler in his post-match interview.

MI Emirates get a comfortable win

Despite this moment of levity, the match was a fierce competition, with both teams fighting hard for the win. In the end, it was the MI Emirates who emerged victorious, with a 6-wicket win over the Sharjah Warriors. The Warriors had set a target of 146/7, but the Emirates, led by Nicholas Pooran's unbeaten 39 off 21, chased down the target in just 17.1 overs.

Other notable performances came from Tom Kohler-Cadmore, who made 55 off 41 for the Warriors, and Muhammad Waseem, who made 40 off 36 for the Emirates. Dwayne Bravo from the Emirates side was the pick of the bowlers with his 3 wickets in 4 overs. Siddique took 2 for the Warrior's side.

MI Emirates currently sit in third position with 6 points in 3 matches. while the Warriors are in 4th with just 2 points despite playing a match more.