August 17, 2018 – this date when two of the greatest players of the gentlemen’s game smashed their maiden centuries in T20 format.
In England, it was Moeen Ali who did it for his domestic side, Worcestershire, in the T20 Blast. While in the Caribbean, Kieron Pollard achieved the same feat in the CPL 2018 to lead his team St Lucia Stars to a 38-run victory over Barbados Tridents.
Moeen Ali’s marvel in T20 Blast
He was benched from the second test against India at Lord’s and had the same fate ahead of the Trent Bridge Test when Joe Root confirmed the playing XI. However, this axing didn’t bother Moeen Ali, even a bit.
Playing against Warwickshire on Saturday, Ali opened the innings along with Joe Clark and hammered 115 off just 56 balls, slamming 12 fours and seven sixes. It helped his side to post 209/5 in their final league game of the tournament.
In return, the Warwickshire were restricted to 194 for 7. The 15-run victory made Worcestershire the table toppers in the north group, ensuring a quarter-final clash at home against Gloucestershire on Saturday, 25 August.
Pollard’s second fastest hundred in CPL
Kieron Pollard played a magnificent knock of 104 runs in just 54 balls. With his massive contribution, St Lucia Stars posted a humongous total of 226/6. In return, Barbados Tridents could only manage 188/6.
Pollard's made a partnership of 148 runs with Andre Fletcher (80) which has now become the second-highest in CPL history, only behind Russell and Kennar Lewis' 161-run stand for Tallawahs against Knight Riders.