MLC 2025 Final: MI New York claim second title after thrilling win over Washington Freedom
MI New York held its nerve in a tense finish to defeat Washington Freedom by five runs and claim its second Major League Cricket (MLC) title at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on July 14, 2025.
After being put in to bat, MI New York got off to a strong start, thanks to a brisk opening stand between Monank Patel and Quinton de Kock. Monank scored a steady 28 off 22 balls, while De Kock provided the early impetus with a fluent 77 from just 46 deliveries.
Middle-order contributions from Tajinder Singh (14 off 9) and captain Nicholas Pooran (21 off 16) helped MI New York post a competitive total of 180. Washington Freedom’s Lockie Ferguson led the bowling effort with an impressive 3-wicket haul. He was supported by Saurabh Netravalkar, Glenn Maxwell, Jack Edwards, and Ian Holland, who chipped in with a wicket each.
Washington Freedom’s chase began on a disastrous note, losing both openers — Mitchell Owen and Andries Gous — for ducks in the opening overs. But Rachin Ravindra steadied the innings with a superb 70 off 41 balls, keeping the Freedom in the hunt.
Glenn Phillips then anchored the innings with an unbeaten 48 off 34 balls, taking the game deep. However, the turning point came in the final over when Maxwell fell for 15, leaving Freedom needing 12 off the last six balls. MI New York’s bowlers held firm to close out a narrow five-run win.
Brief scores: MI New York 180 for 7 (De Kock 77, Ferguson 3-21) beat Washington Freedom 175 for 5 (Ravindra 70, Phillips 48*, Ugarkar 2-32, Boult 2-32) by five runs