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MI New York Pull Off Stunning Turnaround to Win MLC 2025 Title
MINY Stun Defending Champions Washington Freedom in a Final-Over Thriller
In one of the most astonishing comebacks in franchise T20 cricket, MI New York (MINY) lifted the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) title after edging out defending champions Washington Freedom by five runs in a pulsating final at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas. This triumph came after MINY had won just one of their first seven games in the tournament, making their journey to the title nothing short of miraculous.
Quinton de Kock’s Blitz Lays the Foundation
MINY’s innings was anchored by a blistering 77 off 46 balls by Quinton de Kock, who showcased classic T20 aggression with 6 fours and 4 sixes. He stitched a 72-run opening stand with Monank Patel, who contributed a brisk 28 off 22 before falling to Lockie Ferguson. After a brief wobble in the middle, Nicholas Pooran (21 off 17) joined hands with de Kock to stabilize the innings with a 56-run partnership.
Late Flourish by Kunwarjeet Singh
Despite losing five wickets for just 18 runs in the final overs, MINY managed to reach 180/7, thanks to Kunwarjeet Singh’s quickfire 22 off 13 balls*. Ferguson starred for Washington with figures of 3/21, including the key scalps of de Kock and Kieron Pollard in a single over.
🔗 For more on MLC 2025 playoff journeys, check out our MLC 2025 Match Reports.
Washington Freedom’s Chase: A Tale of Two Halves
Chasing 181, Washington Freedom suffered a horror start, slumping to 0/2 in the first over as Trent Boult removed Mitchell Owen and Andries Gous. However, a resilient 84-run stand between Rachin Ravindra (70 off 41) and Jack Edwards (33 off 22) revived hopes.
After Edwards was dismissed by Nosthush Kenjige, Ravindra continued to anchor the innings alongside Glenn Phillips, adding 46 valuable runs. But once Rushil Ugarkar removed Ravindra in the 16th over, the balance shifted back in MINY’s favor.
Final Over Drama: Ugarkar Holds His Nerve
With 12 runs needed off the last over, MINY handed the ball to 22-year-old Rushil Ugarkar, who executed flawlessly under pressure. After conceding just 2 singles in the first two balls, he dismissed Glenn Maxwell and allowed just a single off the next two deliveries. With 10 required off the final ball, the match was all but over, confirming MINY’s title win.
Boult, Ferguson, and Ugarkar Among Bowling Stars
Trent Boult (2/32) and Ugarkar (2/32) were instrumental in keeping Freedom at bay, while Ferguson (3/21) and Ravindra (70) were the standout performers for the losing side. Despite late heroics from Phillips (48* off 27), the defending champions fell just short.
MLC 2025: A Season to Remember
From near elimination to ultimate champions, MI New York’s MLC 2025 campaign will be remembered as one of the greatest fightbacks in T20 league history. With experienced internationals like de Kock and Pollard, emerging domestic talent like Ugarkar, and strategic brilliance in clutch moments, MINY showcased resilience, class, and nerves of steel.
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