Kieron Pollard, Akeal Hosein copy Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec's iconic gunpoint pose

Aug. 21, 2024, 4 p.m.

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Former West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard, representing Southern Braves in The Hundred, struck the iconic gunpoint pose of Olympian Yusuf Dikec, during the men’s final against Oval Invincibles on Sunday. Pollard came up with the celebration after he took a comfortable catch to dismiss Donovan Ferreira of the Oval Invincibles in the 74th ball, off Akeal Hosein’s delivery. Akeal Hosein also copied Yusuf’s pose after he took the wicket of Sam Curran.

Advertisement Yusuf Dikec, a 51-year-old Turkish shooter, captured global attention during the recent Paris Olympics. He earned the silver medal in the mixed 10m air pistol event, partnering with Sevval Ilayda Tarhan.

Kieron Pollard channeled his inner Yusuf Dikec with an epic celebration! 🔥#KieronPollard #yusufdikeç #TheHundred pic.twitter.com/QhLUyL2xVs

— THE WINNERS CLUB ✌️ (@twccricket) August 18, 2024 Kieron Pollard and Akeal Hosein hit the Yusuf Dikeç pose at the Hundred final.

📷: Getty pic.twitter.com/7CsfShbjwR

— KnightRidersXtra (@KRxtra) August 19, 2024 During the final of the competition, Dikec caught the eyes of many when he competed with minimal protective gear. Although several sooters wear protective equipment like specialised goggles and ear protection, all Dikec used were prescription glasses and earplugs.

Advertisement “At that moment, everyone says I seemed very calm, but actually storms were raging inside me. I think my shooting pose represented the Olympic spirit very well: the fair play, simplicity, clarity and naturalness. That’s why it got so much attention. I never needed that equipment. I am a natural. A natural shooter," he told Turkish website Haberturk on returning home after the Olympics.

The Oval Invincibles secured their second consecutive Hundred title, defeating the Southern Brave by 17 runs in the final match. The Invincibles posted a score of 147/9 after batting first, but the Southern Brave could only manage 130/7 in response. Akeal Hosein finished with impressive figures of 3/34 from 20 balls.

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