MI New York Win Second MLC Title After Stunning Comeback

MI New York pulled off an incredible turnaround to win the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) title by defeating Washington Freedom by 5 runs in a thrilling final held on July 14 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. After a poor start to the season, MI New York’s comeback is being called one of the most remarkable in franchise cricket history.

A Final to Remember

Chasing 181 runs, Washington Freedom fell short by just 5 runs, thanks to a brilliant final over from 22-year-old Rushil Ugarkar, who held his nerve against big hitters Glenn Phillips and Glenn Maxwell. Freedom needed 12 runs off the last over, but tight bowling and a crucial catch by Michael Bracewell sealed the win for MI New York.

Freedom had a shaky start, losing two wickets in the first over to Trent Boult. A strong 84-run stand between Rachin Ravindra (70) and Jack Edwards (33) brought them back into the game. However, regular wickets slowed their momentum, and they could not finish the chase.

De Kock Shines with the Bat

Earlier, Quinton de Kock was the star with the bat for MI New York, scoring a fluent 77 off 46 balls, including 6 fours and 4 sixes. He shared a 72-run opening partnership with Monank Patel (28). After a few quick wickets, Nicholas Pooran (22) and de Kock steadied the innings with a 56-run stand. Late fireworks from Kunwarjeet Singh (22* off 13) helped the team post 180/7.

Lockie Ferguson was the best bowler for Washington, picking up 3 wickets for 24 runs, including the big scalps of de Kock and Kieron Pollard in the same over.

A Season of Comeback

MI New York had a terrible start to the season, losing 6 of their first 7 games. But under the leadership of Nicholas Pooran, the team bounced back, won key matches, and made it to the final. Their victory shows how determination and teamwork can turn things around, even after a bad start.