MI New York secured their second Major League Cricket championship and the MLC 2025 Title in dramatic fashion, defeating defending champions Washington Freedom by five runs in a nail-biting final at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas on July 14, 2025.
The Ultimate Comeback Story: From 1-6 to MLC Champions
In what can only be described as one of the most remarkable turnarounds in franchise T20 cricket history, MI New York transformed their season from disaster to glory. After losing six of their first seven matches, the team orchestrated an incredible revival that culminated in lifting the MLC 2025 trophy.
Table of Contents
Match Summary: MI New York 180/7 vs Washington Freedom 175/5
First Innings: De Kock’s Masterclass Powers MI New York to 180
Quinton de Kock Leads the Charge
South African wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock produced a scintillating innings of 77 runs from just 46 balls, featuring 6 boundaries and 4 maximums. His knock formed the backbone of MI New York’s competitive total of 180/7.
Key Partnerships Build Strong Foundation
- Opening Stand: De Kock and captain Monank Patel combined for a crucial 72-run partnership in just 44 balls, with Patel contributing a steady 28 off 22 deliveries
- Fourth Wicket Partnership: De Kock and Nicholas Pooran added 56 valuable runs, with Pooran scoring 21 off 16 balls
Washington Freedom’s Bowling Response
Lockie Ferguson emerged as the pick of the bowlers for Washington Freedom, claiming impressive figures of 3/21 in his four overs. His second spell proved particularly devastating, dismissing both the well-set de Kock and the dangerous Kieron Pollard in the same over.
Supporting Ferguson’s efforts, Glenn Maxwell, Saurabh Netravalkar, Jack Edwards, and Ian Holland each contributed with a wicket apiece.
Second Innings: Washington Freedom Fall Just Short in Thrilling Chase
Disastrous Start Puts Freedom on Back Foot
Washington Freedom’s run chase began in the worst possible manner, with Trent Boult striking twice in the opening over. Both Mitchell Owen and Andries Gous were dismissed for ducks, leaving the defending champions reeling at 0/2.
Ravindra and Edwards Rebuild the Innings
The crisis brought out the best in Rachin Ravindra and Jack Edwards, who combined for a vital 84-run partnership to resurrect Freedom’s hopes. Ravindra played the anchor role to perfection, top-scoring with 70 runs off 41 balls, including 8 boundaries and 2 sixes. Edwards provided excellent support with a quickfire 33 off 22 deliveries.
Phillips Keeps the Dream Alive
After Edwards’ dismissal in the ninth over, Glenn Phillips took up the mantle with an unbeaten 48 off 34 balls. He formed another crucial 46-run partnership with Ravindra, keeping Washington Freedom in the hunt until the very end.
The Final Over Drama: Ugarkar Holds His Nerve
22-Year-Old Rushil Ugarkar Becomes the Hero
With 12 runs required off the final over and the experienced duo of Glenn Maxwell and Glenn Phillips at the crease, the stage was set for a grandstand finish. Young Rushil Ugarkar was entrusted with the responsibility of defending the target.
Ball-by-Ball Breakdown of the Final Over:
- Ball 1: Maxwell takes a single
- Ball 2: Phillips follows with another single
- Ball 3: Maxwell swings and misses
- Ball 4: Maxwell attempts a slog over midwicket but mistimes to long-on, where Michael Bracewell takes the catch
- Ball 5: New batsman Obus Pienaar swings and misses
- Ball 6: With 10 needed off the final ball, the match was effectively sealed
Key Bowling Performances
MI New York’s Bowling Heroes:
- Trent Boult: 2/32 – Set the tone with early wickets
- Rushil Ugarkar: 2/32 – Including the crucial final over
- Nosthush Kenjige: Key breakthrough dismissing Edwards
Tournament Context: MI New York’s Remarkable Journey
Season 3 Statistics and Achievements
This victory marked MI New York’s second MLC title, adding to their previous championship success. The triumph was particularly sweet given their horrendous start to the season, where they managed just one win in their opening seven matches.
Tournament Leading Performers:
- Monank Patel: Finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer
- Quinton de Kock: Delivered when it mattered most in the final
Match Impact and Significance
Breaking Washington Freedom’s Title Defense
Washington Freedom entered the final as defending champions, making MI New York’s victory even more impressive. The Freedom had been the team to beat throughout the tournament, but MI New York’s never-say-die attitude proved decisive.
Young Talent Shines on the Big Stage
The final showcased the emerging talent in American cricket, with 22-year-old Rushil Ugarkar’s nerveless final over being the standout moment. His ability to handle pressure against established international stars like Maxwell and Phillips bodes well for the future of MLC.
Venue and Atmosphere: Grand Prairie Stadium Witnesses History
The Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas provided the perfect backdrop for this thrilling encounter. The venue has quickly established itself as a fortress for high-quality T20 cricket, and this final added another memorable chapter to its growing legacy.
Looking Ahead: MLC’s Continued Growth
This pulsating final serves as another testament to the rapidly improving standard of Major League Cricket. With each season, the tournament continues to attract bigger names and deliver more compelling cricket, establishing itself as a key fixture in the global T20 calendar.
And as fan engagement grows, so does interest in MLC betting across platforms like DaVegas India. From live match odds to top run-scorer predictions, fans are finding new ways to stay invested in the action. Whether it’s backing a comeback like MI New York’s or taking a chance on an underdog, DaVegas India offers a safe, fast, and intuitive betting experience tailored for Indian cricket fans.
Final Scorecard:
- MI New York: 180/7 in 20 overs (Q. de Kock 77, M. Patel 28, N. Pooran 21; L. Ferguson 3/21)
- Washington Freedom: 175/5 in 20 overs (R. Ravindra 70, G. Phillips 48*, J. Edwards 33; T. Boult 2/32, R. Ugarkar 2/32)
- Result: MI New York won by 5 runs
- Player of the Match: Quinton de Kock (77 off 46 balls)
MI New York’s incredible journey from 1-6 to MLC champions will be remembered as one of the greatest comeback stories in T20 franchise cricket history.
