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Mitchell Owen and Andries Gous Power Washington Freedom to Fourth Straight MLC Win
Washington Freedom Chase Down 220 to Defeat Texas Super Kings in Thriller
Mitchell Owen and Andries Gous produced explosive half-centuries to help Washington Freedom clinch a thrilling seven-wicket victory over Texas Super Kings in the 2025 edition of Major League Cricket (MLC). Chasing a daunting target of 221, Freedom got over the line in 19.4 overs, securing their fourth consecutive win and moving up to second in the MLC 2025 points table.
Despite a solid total set by the Super Kings, courtesy of Faf du Plessis’ blazing 69 off 31 balls, Washington’s middle-order brilliance and finishing skills proved too strong in a high-pressure chase at a packed stadium.
Owen and Gous Lead Commanding Run-Chase
Dropped Chances, No-Balls Prove Costly for TSK
Washington’s reply to Texas Super Kings’ 220/6 began with a bang. Mitchell Owen and Rachin Ravindra unleashed five boundaries in the first eight balls, putting early pressure on the bowlers. Although Ravindra fell during the powerplay, Owen continued the charge—despite two dropped chances on 20 and 42—seizing the momentum with back-to-back sixes off Marcus Stoinis.
At the halfway mark, Washington stood at 72/1 after 8 overs, still behind the required run rate. But the innings took a dramatic turn in the 12th over, when Owen and Andries Gous tore into Noor Ahmad, collecting 22 runs. The carnage continued as Gous smashed 24 off Donovan Ferreira in the next over, putting Freedom firmly in command.
Owen, who also took 3 wickets with the ball, was eventually dismissed for a fiery 89 off 48 balls, but Gous carried on. He remained unbeaten on 80 off 42 balls, his highest score in MLC, and along with Glenn Maxwell and Glenn Phillips, ensured a smooth finish.
In the final over, Stoinis bowled a clever mix of yorkers and full tosses, keeping the match alive till the end. But Phillips, with just six required off three, ended the suspense with a perfectly timed cut through backward point, sealing the deal with two balls to spare.
Faf du Plessis Shines in Vain Yet Again
Texas Super Kings Post Competitive 220
Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Faf du Plessis delivered yet another vintage knock, scoring 69 off just 31 balls, his second fifty-plus score in as many matches. Opening alongside Smit Patel, the South African veteran smashed boundaries at will, helping TSK post 55 in the first five overs.
While TSK’s batting was aggressive early on, they lost their way slightly during the middle overs. Washington skipper Glenn Maxwell bowled economically, returning figures of 2/35, while Owen chipped in with 3/33, including crucial middle-order strikes.
Despite a late flourish from Calvin Savage and Shubham Ranjane, who added 36 off 14 balls, TSK’s total of 220/6 seemed competitive but ultimately fell short.
Match Impact: Washington Freedom Climb to Second
This result sees Washington Freedom leap to second place in the MLC 2025 standings with a 4-0 record, showcasing their consistency and depth in both batting and bowling. Mitch Owen’s all-round heroics—three wickets and 89 runs—cemented his status as a game-changer for the franchise.
With the tournament heating up, Washington look like strong contenders for the playoff spots, while Texas Super Kings, despite Faf’s form, need to regroup quickly after suffering back-to-back defeats.
🔗 For more analysis on Mitch Owen’s recent performances, read this ESPNcricinfo player profile.
