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Monank Patel, Michael Bracewell Lead MI New York to First MLC 2025 Win
Seattle Orcas’ Losing Streak Extended Despite Kyle Mayers’ Blistering 88
MI New York (MINY) finally opened their account in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 season with a thrilling seven-wicket victory over the struggling Seattle Orcas, who remain winless after eight consecutive matches. The star of the night was Monank Patel, who nearly reached a century, while Michael Bracewell anchored the chase with a composed half-century, guiding the team to a 200+ run chase with an over to spare.
Orcas Set a Daunting Total Powered by Mayers, Klaasen, and Hetmyer
Kyle Mayers’ Explosive 88 Headlines Orcas’ Strong Finish
Batting first at a lively venue, the Seattle Orcas endured a sluggish start, managing just 9 runs in the first 3 overs and losing opener David Warner early. Michael Bracewell, turning out to be a vital all-rounder for MI New York, delivered a wicket-maiden in the powerplay. Things didn’t get better as Naveen-ul-Haq struck before the powerplay ended.
However, the innings took a sharp upward trajectory thanks to Kyle Mayers, who hammered 10 sixes in a brutal 46-ball 88-run knock. He demolished Naveen in one over with four maximums and led Orcas’ charge toward the 200-mark. Contributions from Heinrich Klaasen and Shimron Hetmyer, who added 48 runs off 20 balls, provided the finishing flourish as Seattle ended at 200/5 in their 20 overs.
Read about the top run-scorers in MLC 2025 so far
Monank Patel Overcomes Slow Start to Deliver a Match-Winning Knock
Bracewell and Pollard Finish It Off in Style
Chasing 201, MI New York’s innings got off to a slow and nervous start. Monank Patel, who began his innings cautiously, struggled early, scoring just 4 off his first 12 balls. The team had just 25 runs on the board after 6 overs. To add pressure, Sikandar Raza dismissed Quinton de Kock soon after entering the attack.
However, Monank turned the tide by ending the powerplay with a boundary and a six, signaling his intent. From there, the wicketkeeper-batter unfurled a range of strokes—scoops, drives, and lofts—as he began dismantling the Orcas bowling unit. Harmeet Singh bore the brunt of Monank’s aggression, conceding multiple boundaries in a single over. Monank took particular liking to Mayers and Raza, eventually reaching the 90s with yet another elegant scoop.
The pressure mounted when Monank fell for 93, with MI still needing 55 off 24 balls. Matters worsened as Nicholas Pooran was bowled by Raza. Just as panic began to set in, Kieron Pollard stepped up with timely boundaries before Bracewell launched back-to-back sixes, easing the chase.
Sloppy fielding by Harmeet—dropping two chances on consecutive deliveries—further helped MI New York complete the chase in 19 overs, finishing at 203/3.
Brief Scores
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Seattle Orcas: 200/5 in 20 overs (Kyle Mayers 88, Shayan Jahangir 43; Michael Bracewell 1/19)
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MI New York: 203/3 in 19 overs (Monank Patel 93, Michael Bracewell 50*; Sikandar Raza 2/37)
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Result: MI New York won by 7 wickets
Explore full MLC 2025 fixtures and results on ESPNcricinfo
MI New York’s first win of the MLC 2025 season not only lifts their spirits but also adds more pressure on the Seattle Orcas, whose winless streak now stands at eight. With Monank Patel showcasing grit and flair and Bracewell delivering under pressure, MINY have finally found the right rhythm. The big question now is: can this momentum push them toward playoff contention?
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