MLC 2025: Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran Lead MI New York to Victory
MI New York has clinched a spot in the Major League Cricket 2025 final after a decisive seven-wicket win against Texas Super Kings in the Qualifier 2 match. Led by stellar performances from Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran, MI New York managed to chase down TSK’s total of 166 runs, completing the task with an over to spare, despite a challenging start to the season.
### Dominant Bowling Sets the Stage
Texas Super Kings began their innings cautiously with Smit Patel and Faf du Plessis opening the batting. Patel struck a few early boundaries, but the momentum shifted when the Super Kings faced a collapse, losing three wickets for just 43 runs by the end of the powerplay. Tristan Luus and Rushil Ugarkar were instrumental in dismantling TSK’s top order, with Luus taking 3 wickets for 35 runs. Du Plessis, who was dropped by Pollard on 25, eventually scored a commendable 59 runs. Marcus Stoinis struggled to maintain a high scoring rate before falling to Ugarkar. Late contributions from Akeal Hosein and Donovan Ferreira helped TSK reach a total of 166 runs, with Hosein hitting three sixes off Pollard’s bowling.
### MI New York’s Remarkable Chase
In response, MI New York faced an early challenge with the loss of Quinton de Kock to Zia ul Haq. Michael Bracewell’s dismissal further complicated their chase. However, Monank Patel, despite being dropped twice, played a crucial innings, scoring 49 runs. The turning point came after Patel’s departure when Pollard and Pooran took charge of the chase. Pollard’s explosive batting included a remarkable sequence against Zia ul Haq, where he scored 22 runs in just five balls. With 50 runs needed at the start of the 17th over, Pooran joined in the onslaught, hitting a boundary and a six against Adam Milne. The pair led MI New York to a total of 172 runs, sealing their victory in the penultimate over.
### Players Shine in a Critical Match
Nicholas Pooran remained unbeaten with a score of 52 runs, while Pollard’s aggressive innings proved vital for MI New York’s success. Pollard’s performance earned him the Player of the Match award, highlighting his key role in the victory. This win marks a significant achievement for MI New York, as they bounce back from a challenging start to the season, having only secured three wins in their previous ten matches. Their ability to perform under pressure has set the stage for an exciting final showdown against the defending champions, Washington Freedom.
### Looking Ahead: The Final Showdown
With this victory, MI New York is now set to face Washington Freedom in the final on Sunday. The team’s journey to the final is particularly remarkable given their earlier struggles this season. Their resilience and determination to overcome adversity will be pivotal as they prepare for the championship match, aiming to capture the title and further solidify their standing in Major League Cricket.
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