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Glenn Maxwell’s Stunning Century Sinks LA Knight Riders in Massive 113-Run Defeat
Washington Freedom Outclass LAKR as Maxwell Fires on All Cylinders
Washington Freedom delivered a commanding performance in Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025, thrashing the Los Angeles Knight Riders by 113 runs on Tuesday night. Led by a sensational unbeaten century from captain Glenn Maxwell and a game-changing cameo by Mitch Owen, the defending champions bounced back emphatically and left LAKR winless after three matches.
After being asked to bat first, Washington found themselves in early trouble but rallied behind Maxwell’s fireworks to post a massive 208/5. In reply, LA Knight Riders crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for just 95.
Power-Packed Start Despite Early Wickets
Owen Launches the Innings with a Bang
Washington Freedom’s innings began with explosive intent despite early setbacks. Mitch Owen, promoted up the order, blazed his way to a rapid 32 off just 11 deliveries, dismantling the bowling of Corne Dry, Shadley van Schalkwyk, and Jason Holder. His blitz helped Washington race to 53 inside four overs, even though they had already lost three wickets.
The middle order struggled to keep the momentum going, as wickets continued to tumble. By the 13th over, the scoreboard read 98 for 5, and the pressure began to mount.
Maxwell’s Six-Fest Turns the Tide
Just as Washington Freedom appeared to be losing grip, captain Glenn Maxwell rose to the occasion. With the score at 98/5, Maxwell took charge in brutal fashion. He launched Jason Sangha for three consecutive sixes, announcing his return to form in style. He followed that up with a towering hit off Sunil Narine to bring up a 25-ball half-century.
The carnage continued, as Maxwell targeted the death bowlers—Dry, Holder, and Russell—unleashing a relentless barrage of sixes. In all, he struck 13 sixes and just two boundaries en route to a match-winning unbeaten 106 off 55 balls.
Obus Pienaar offered support in a subdued role, scoring 14 off 15 deliveries as the duo put on 116 runs for the sixth wicket. Their unbroken partnership helped Freedom amass a daunting total of 208/5 in 20 overs.
Related Reading: MLC 2025 Full Fixtures and Results
LA Knight Riders Collapse in Humiliating Chase
Top-Order Meltdown Sets the Tone
In response, LAKR’s top order failed to fire yet again. None of the top three managed to open their account, and by the eighth over, they had slumped to a disastrous 26/5. Jack Edwards and Mitch Owen inflicted the early damage with sharp spells that exposed LA’s brittle batting.
Only Saif Badar (32) and Jason Holder (23) managed to cross double digits among the top eight batters. A brief 35-run stand between them offered a flicker of hope, but it was short-lived. Once Owen trapped Badar leg-before, another collapse followed, sealing LAKR’s fate.
Bowling Dominance Seals the Deal for Freedom
The Washington bowling unit was clinical and ruthless. Jack Edwards returned figures of 3/15, while Mitch Owen impressed again with 3/16. Saurabh Netrawalkar and Mark Adair set the tone early, swinging the ball under lights and leaving the Knight Riders stunned. LAKR were eventually bowled out for just 95 in 16.3 overs.
This emphatic win lifts Washington Freedom’s spirits as they continue their MLC 2025 title defense, while the Knight Riders remain at the bottom of the points table with three straight losses.
Brief Scores:
Washington Freedom – 208/5 in 20 overs
(Glenn Maxwell 106*, Mitch Owen 32; Corne Dry 2-33, Tanveer Sangha 2-38)
Los Angeles Knight Riders – 95 in 16.3 overs
(Saif Badar 32, Jason Holder 23; Jack Edwards 3-15, Mitch Owen 3-16)
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