MI New York become MLC 2025 champions after final-over thriller against Washington Freedom
Published - 14 Jul 2025, 10:41 AM | Updated - 14 Jul 2025, 11:11 AM
MI New York, led by Nicholas Pooran, secured a victory in a nail-biting finale against Washington Freedom at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, Texas, on Monday, July 13 (local time). The New York-based franchise claimed their second Major League Cricket (MLC) title despite struggling in the league stage.
MI New York secured their second title in three seasons. The Nicholas Pooran-led team defeated Washington Freedom by 5 runs in the final. They won just three matches in the league stage but bounced back with victories in the Eliminator and Challenger. MI New York had also won the inaugural edition in 2023.
Monank Patel and Quinton de Kock Give MI New York a Flying Start in MLC Final
After being put in to bat first, MI New York openers Monank Patel and Quinton de Kock provided a flying start, adding 72 runs in 7.1 overs. Patel scored 28 off 22 balls, while de Kock added 77 runs off 46 balls, including 6 boundaries and 4 sixes.
Tajinder Singh (14), captain Nicholas Pooran (21), and Kunwarjeet Singh (22) chipped in with useful contributions. MI New York posted a competitive total of 180 in the first innings.
For Washington Freedom, Lockie Ferguson was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets for 21 runs in four overs. Saurabh Netravalkar, Glenn Maxwell, Jack Edwards, and Ian Holland claimed one wicket each.
Washington Freedom Lose Two Batters in First Over of MLC Final
In response, Washington Freedom got off to a disastrous start, losing two top order batters in the first over. Mitchell Owen perished on the very first ball, while Andries Gous also departed without scoring, leaving the team under pressure.
Amid the collapse, Rachin Ravindra scored 70 off just 41 balls, giving Freedom hope with his knock. Glenn Phillips kept the chase alive with an unbeaten 48 off 34 deliveries.
With 12 runs needed from the last six balls, captain Glenn Maxwell was dismissed for 15 runs that proved to be the turning point. MI New York held their nerve to seal a five-run victory and secure their second Major League Cricket title.
Kieron Pollard flaunts
Kieron Pollard stated that many had counted them out when they had just one win in seven games, but added that the franchise had belief. Pollard emphasized that as long as the team isn't mathematically out, they should never be written off. He said that it was an incredible feeling to lift a second MLC trophy.
"It means a lot. We fought really, really hard. One in seven, everyone sort of wrote us off. I have mentioned it time and time again that there is something in this franchise. Until we are mathematically out of a tournament, you should not rule us out. The belief the guys showed, each and every staff member from the management to the captain. It is unbelievable to be standing here and going to collect the second MLC Trophy."
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