Steve Smith in action for Washington Freedom | Source: X.com
The Washington Freedom secured a dominant 94-run victory over MI New York in their fifth match of the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024, becoming the first team to qualify for the Playoffs.
Explosive Batting Powers Washington Freedom
Batting first, Washington Freedom got off to a decent start with openers Steve Smith and Travis Head. While Smith fell cheaply, Head unleashed a blistering knock of 54 runs from just 33 balls, peppering the boundaries with nine fours and two sixes.
Andries Gous provided excellent support with a well-paced 59 runs off 48 deliveries. The duo stitched together a crucial partnership that propelled Washington past the 100-run mark.
Glenn Maxwell chipped in with a handy 15, while Rachin Ravindra provided a late flourish with a quickfire 31 off 14 balls. Washington finished their innings strongly, posting a competitive total of 182/5 on the board.
MI New York Crumble Under Washington’s Bowling Might
Chasing a stiff target, MI New York’s batting lineup collapsed as the ashington Freedom bowlers ran riot, reducing them to 25/5 by the end of the Powerplay. Openers and key middle-order batters like Shayan Jahangir, Nicholas Pooran, and Kieron Pollard fell cheaply.
Only Romario Shepherd (25) and Trent Boult (18) showed some fight in the closing overs, adding 33 runs for the eighth wicket. However, Glenn Maxwell put an end to their hopes, taking two quick wickets in the 14th over. MI New York were eventually bundled out for just 88 runs, handing Washington a comprehensive win.
