MI New York win thrilling MLC final showdown

Dallas

MI New York pulled off a stunning turnaround to win the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) title after beating Washington Freedom by five runs in a thrilling final at Grand Prairie Stadium.

After losing six of their first seven games this season, MI New York fought back to claim the championship in dramatic style. Washington Freedom needed 12 runs from the final over while chasing 181. They had big hitters Glenn Maxwell and Glenn Phillips at the crease, but young bowler Rushil Ugarkar kept his cool.

Maxwell took a single, and Phillips did the same off the next ball. Maxwell missed the third ball and then skied the fourth delivery to long-on, where Michael Bracewell took a crucial catch. New batter Obus Pienaar missed the next ball, leaving 10 needed from the last ball, which proved impossible.

Washington’s chase started badly when Trent Boult removed Mitchell Owen and Andries Gous in the first over. Rachin Ravindra steadied the innings with 70 runs off 41 balls, supported by Jack Edwards, who scored 33. Phillips tried to keep the fight alive with two sixes late on, but MI New York’s bowlers held firm.

Earlier, Quinton de Kock led MI New York’s innings with a fine 77 off 46 balls, hitting six fours and four sixes. Nicholas Pooran added useful runs before Lockie Ferguson struck twice in one over, dismissing de Kock and Kieron Pollard.

Despite losing late wickets, MI New York reached 180/7, thanks to Kunwarjeet Singh’s quick 22 runs. This total proved just enough to secure the title and complete an amazing comeback story for the team.