MUMBAI- West Indies all-rounders Dwayne Bravolink> and Kieron Pollardlink>mayhave been pitted against each other in the opening match of IPL but bothdecided to celebrate the occasion in a unique way.

Chennai Super Kingslink>madea thrilling return to the IPL with a one-wicket win over Mumbai Indians atthe Wankhede Stadium, with both the players having contrasting fortunes.

While Pollard did not get a chance to bat or bowl in the contest, Bravolink>playedwhat he termed was his ‘best ever’ innings as he scored a 30-ball 68studded with seven sixes and three fours to power CSK to a win which lookedunlikely for majority of the match.

Bravo also bowled a measly three-over spell in the death overs during theMumbai Indians’ innings, giving away a mere 11 runs after going for 14 inhis first over.

However, it was the identical jersey number that both Bravo and Pollardsported on Saturday which caught the eye.

Speaking after winning the Man of the Match, Bravo said, “Pollard is thefirst player to play 400 T20 games. So he has 400 on his back. And I’m thefirst bowler to get 400 wickets. So both of us said, ‘okay, if we both playthe first game in the IPL, let’s do something different.’ It’s a greatmilestone for both of us personally.”

He added, “Pollard spoke to Mumbai, I spoke to CSK and they allowed us toplay in this game. Moving forward in the tournament, we both will go backto our respective numbers — 47 and 55. I’m happy that 400 is a luckyperformance.”

It was in December 2017 when Bravo became the only bowler to have taken 400wickets in T20 cricket. He achieved the feat during the Big Bash League(BBL) playing for Melbourne Renegades. Pollard, on the other hand, playedhis 400th match during the last edition of BBL while playing for theAdelaide Strikers.