MLC 2025 Match 11: Washington Freedom beat MI New York by 2 wickets in thriller

Mitchell Owen and Mark Chapman saw Washington Freedom home in a challenging run chase, denying a spirited New York bowling attack a close victory in the 11th match of Cognizant Major League 2025.

Match Summary

MI New York vs Washington Freedom, Match 11, Major League Cricket

MI New York 188/4 (20 ov)

Washington Freedom 189/8 (19.2 ov)

Result - Washington Freedom won by 2 wickets

SCORECARD

Manhattan

Match Analysis

Owen’s quickfire half-century continued the powerplay surge at Grand Prairie as Washington accumulated a healthy 74, losing Ravindra and Gous in the process. Owen smacked 10 boundaries in his power-packed innings, including three sixes and a four off youngster Rushil Ugarkar’s first over. The Aussie sensation eventually holed out to Pooran at long-off in the 8th over, giving MI New York a sniff of a comeback.

Chapman and Jack Edwards ticked along at a cautious pace, trying to stabilize the chase, before the latter was run out when Chapman’s shot ricocheted off Bracewell’s hands onto the stumps.

With the required rate climbing and pressure mounting on Washington, skipper Glenn Maxwell didn’t waste time clearing the ropes. The flamboyant all-rounder struck Michael Bracewell for 10 runs off two balls to relieve the pressure and put Freedom back on track. However, his heroics didn’t last long enough to echo his previous innings, as he was cleaned up by a pinpoint yorker from Trent Boult.

At Maxwell’s departure, Freedom needed 34 off the last 5 overs, with one over each from the experienced duo Naveen-ul-Haq and Boult. The responsibility fell on Chapman—the last recognized batter—to guide the chase with the tail, and he did so with panache. The Kiwi leftie held his nerve even as a couple more wickets fell at the other end.

With his main bowlers having completed their quotas, Pooran handed a bruised Ugarkar the penultimate over. Chapman capitalized, smashing back-to-back boundaries to produce a 14-run over that effectively sealed the game for Washington. He fittingly hit the winning runs in the next over to complete a nervy chase, handing Freedom their third win of the season by 2 wickets.

Earlier, after being put in to bat, MI New York’s opening pair—an in-form Monank Patel and a composed Quinton de Kock—launched into an explosive powerplay, racking up 70 runs. Freedom struck immediately after the powerplay, with Patel flicking a catch to Mark Adair at fine leg off Mitchell Owen.

De Kock and skipper Nicholas Pooran kept the scoreboard moving for the next few overs, before the former fell to Ian Holland’s clever variations. Freedom’s bowlers tightened the screws through the middle overs, making it difficult for Pooran and Michael Bracewell to break free. The pressure eventually led to Pooran’s dismissal in the 16th over.

A late flurry of boundaries from Bracewell helped MI NY post a competitive, if slightly underwhelming, 188/4 in 20 overs.

High on momentum, Washington Freedom face Texas Super Kings tomorrow seeking to continue their winning streak. Meanwhile, MI New York face an uphill challenge as they take on formidable table-toppers SF Unicorns on Monday.

The @WSHFreedom managed to get this one over the line, walking away victorious over MI New York. ?? pic.twitter.com/5T67e4qCJI — Cognizant Major League Cricket (@MLCricket) June 22, 2025

Match Stats

MI New York Fall of wickets: 1-70 (Monank Patel - 6.1 ov), 2-114 (Quinton De Kock - 11.5 ov), 3-147 (Nicholas Pooran - 15.5 ov), 4-173 (Kieron Pollard - 18.5 ov)

Washington Freedom Fall of wickets: 1-45 (Rachin Ravindra - 2.5 ov), 2-74 (Andries Gous - 5.5 ov), 3-91 (Mitchell Owen - 7.2 ov), 4-132 (Jack Edwards - 13.1 ov), 5-151 (Glenn Maxwell - 14.3 ov), 6-169 (Obus Pienaar - 16.2 ov), 7-172 (Mukhtar Ahmed - 17.2 ov), 8-186 (Mark Adair - 18.6 ov)

Wagon Wheel

Playing XI

MI New York

Washington Freedom

Match Details:

Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025 01:00

Venue: Grand Prairie Stadium, Texas

Toss: Washington Freedom elected to bowl

Officials: Umpires: Rushane Samuels (West Indies) Wayne Knights (New Zealand)Marais Erasmus (South Africa TV)

Match Referee: Simon Taufel (Australia)

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