MI New York pulled off one of the most dramatic finishes in franchise T20 history, edging out defending champions Washington Freedom by just five runs to claim the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) title at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Monday.
Chasing 181, Washington Freedom appeared to be building momentum with Rachin Ravindra’s commanding 70 off 41 balls and a quick 33 off 22 from Jack Edwards. But MI New York’s bowling attack never let the game slip away completely. Trent Boult set the tone by removing two batters in the very first over, putting Washington on the back foot right from the start.
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The chase slowed further when Glenn Maxwell, who had struggled for form throughout the tournament aside from his unbeaten 106 against Texas Super Kings, was unable to maintain the scoring rate. Glenn Phillips tried to accelerate late in the innings, but MI New York’s bowlers, particularly Rushil Ugarkar, held their nerve.
With 12 runs needed off the final over, Ugarkar bowled a superb last six deliveries against the dangerous duo of Maxwell and Phillips, sealing the win and finishing with figures of 2 for 32. Tajinder Singh also played a key role, conceding only 18 runs in his three overs, helping to apply pressure during the middle phase of the innings.
Earlier in the match, Washington captain Glenn Maxwell won the toss and opted to bowl. MI New York made a blazing start with openers Quinton de Kock and Monank Patel adding 72 runs in just 44 balls. De Kock, who top-scored with 77 off 46 balls, led both the opening stand and a crucial third-wicket partnership of 56 runs with Nicholas Pooran.
Even after De Kock’s dismissal in the 17th over, which was one of Lockie Ferguson’s three wickets, MI New York maintained the upper hand thanks to a handy unbeaten 22 off 13 balls from Kunwarjeet Singh. Ferguson finished with impressive figures of 3 for 21, but Freedom’s bowlers couldn’t fully contain the scoring.
Brief scores:
- MI New York 180/7 (Quinton de Kock 77; Lockie Ferguson 3-21)
- Washington Freedom 175/5 (Rachin Ravindra 70; Rushil Ugarkar 2-32)
- MI New York win by 5 runs.
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