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Washington Freedom Progress to MLC 2025 Final After Rain Washes Out Qualifier
League-toppers benefit from washout as Texas Super Kings are left to fight again in Eliminator’s aftermath
In a dramatic twist of weather and tournament rules, Washington Freedom sealed their place in the MLC 2025 final after heavy and persistent rain led to the abandonment of the Qualifier match against Texas Super Kings (TSK) in Dallas on Tuesday (July 8). With no result possible, Freedom advanced by virtue of finishing higher on the points table in the league stage.
This marks Washington Freedom’s second consecutive appearance in a Major League Cricket final, highlighting their consistency across seasons. The Texas Super Kings, meanwhile, will now have to take a longer route, facing the winner of the MI New York vs San Francisco Unicorns Eliminator to earn another shot at the championship.
Rain and Lightning Disrupt Play Before a Ball Is Bowled
No reserve day causes automatic qualification for table toppers
While there were concerns about inclement weather in Dallas leading up to the game, officials managed to conduct the toss, where Washington Freedom skipper Glenn Maxwell won and opted to bowl first on what was expected to be a fresh, seam-friendly pitch that had remained under covers.
However, the optimism was short-lived. Lightning and thunder soon struck the venue, forcing players to rush back into the pavilion even before the teams could take the field. Rain followed almost immediately, making any form of play increasingly unlikely as the weather worsened.
According to MLC playing conditions, if at least a five-over match per side is not possible, then the result is to be determined via a Super Over. Unfortunately, even that wasn’t feasible due to the relentless downpour.
📌 Also Read: Glenn Maxwell’s All-Round Impact in MLC 2025 League Stage
No Reserve Day Due to Tight Schedule
One of the key reasons the match could not be resumed or postponed was the absence of a reserve day. This decision was due to logistical constraints, as the Eliminator match between MI New York and San Francisco Unicorns is scheduled for the same venue on the next day.
With the schedule tightly packed and the knockout phase already underway, the MLC regulations prioritize league standings in case of abandoned matches. Since Washington Freedom topped the table, they rightfully advanced to the grand finale.
Texas Super Kings, who had a commendable season, will now have to overcome an additional knockout hurdle to earn a second chance at the final. Their potential opponents include MI New York, led by Kieron Pollard, and the ever-dangerous San Francisco Unicorns, who boast several big-hitting international stars.
Washington Freedom Eye Redemption in the Final
Last year’s finalists, Washington Freedom, were narrowly defeated in the MLC 2024 summit clash. This time, they return as one of the tournament’s most balanced teams, boasting stars like Glenn Maxwell, Marco Jansen, and Andries Gous.
Despite the anticlimactic qualification, Freedom will take the confidence of their league-topping performance into the final, where they await the winner of the remaining knockout fixtures.
🔗 Official MLC Match Rules and Guidelines – Major League Cricket
