MLC 2025 Final Recap: MI New York vs Washington Freedom

By Vishnu Kaimal

The grand finale of Major League Cricket 2025 delivered an edge-of-the-seat thriller as MI New York edged past Washington Freedom by just 5 runs to clinch their second MLC title. Held at Grand Prairie Stadium, Texas, the match was a fitting end to a tournament full of drama, surprises, and rising stars.

Match Summary

MI New York, asked to bat first, posted a competitive 180/7 in their 20 overs. The backbone of their innings was Quinton de Kock, who played a sublime knock of 77 runs off 46 balls, including 3 sixes and 8 fours. He was well supported by Monank Patel (28 off 22) and Kunwarjeet Singh (22 off 13), who added quick runs in the final overs.

In response, Washington Freedom started steadily, with Steve Smith and Andries Gous building momentum. However, wickets at crucial stages slowed their chase. Heading into the final over, Washington needed 12 runs, with Glenn Maxwell and Phillip Salt at the crease.

Match Highlights

• Rushil Ugarkar, MI New York’s young pacer, bowled the final over under immense pressure. He dismissed Maxwell and conceded just 6 runs, sealing the match.
• De Kock’s half-century was his best of the tournament and set the tone for MI’s total.
• Washington’s bowlers, especially Saurabh Netravalkar, kept things tight in the middle overs but lacked support at the death.

Result

• MI New York: 180/7 (20 overs)
• Washington Freedom: 175/5 (20 overs)
• Result: MI New York won by 5 runs
• Player of the Match: Rushil Ugarkar