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In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season, MI New York (MINY) clinched their second title in three years, edging past Washington Freedom by just five runs in a tense final at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Monday, 14 July 2025. The victory cemented MI New York’s status as the most successful franchise in the tournament’s short history.<\/p>\n
Put in to bat first, MI New York posted a competitive total of 180 for 7 from their 20 overs. The backbone of the innings was Quinton de Kock, who played a superb knock of 77 from 46 deliveries, including six fours and four sixes. His innings laid the foundation, aided by a steady start from Monank Patel, who contributed 28 off 22 balls at the top of the order.<\/p>\n
Washington Freedom’s bowlers pulled things back well in the middle overs, with Lockie Ferguson proving the standout. The New Zealander claimed 3 wickets for 21 runs, including the key scalps of de Kock and Kieron Pollard in the same over – a moment that temporarily halted MI New York’s momentum. However, a vital late cameo from Kunwarjeet Singh, who remained unbeaten on 22 from just 13 balls, pushed the total to a challenging score. <\/p>\n
In reply, Washington Freedom had a disastrous start, losing Mitchell Owen and Andries Gous to Trent Boult in the opening over without scoring – leaving them reeling at 0 for 2. Rachin Ravindra and Jack Edwards, however, mounted a strong fightback with a composed 84-run stand. Ravindra was particularly impressive, scoring 70 off 41 balls with eight boundaries and two sixes, while Edwards chipped in with a useful 33 from 22.<\/p>\n
The turning point came in the 16th over when Ravindra fell to Rushil Ugarkar, slicing a slower delivery to extra cover. His dismissal sparked a wobble in the run chase. Glenn Phillips (48* off 30 balls) and captain Glenn Maxwell kept Washington in the contest, but the equation came down to 12 runs required from the final over.<\/p>\n
Named Player of the Match, 22-year-old Ugarkar was handed the ball for the final over – and rose to the occasion. He conceded just six runs from the first four deliveries, effectively sealing the match when Maxwell, attempting a big shot, was caught at long-on by Michael Bracewell. With 10 needed off the final ball, Washington’s hopes faded, and MI New York sealed a dramatic five-run victory.<\/p>\n
The win was all the more remarkable given MI New York’s shaky start to the season, having won just one of their first seven matches. Their dramatic turnaround in the second half showcased the team’s resilience and big-match temperament.<\/p>\n
This triumph marks MI New York’s second MLC title – their first coming in 2023 – making them the most decorated side in the league’s brief history. For Washington Freedom, it was a valiant effort, but ultimately not enough to retain their 2024 crown.<\/p>\n
The 2025 MLC final will be remembered for its thrilling climax, shifting momentum, and a standout performance by MI New York – a side that continues to assert itself as a dominant force in franchise T20 cricket.<\/p>\n
– Ends<\/p>\n