MLC 2025
A win will secure a top-two finish for Washington Freedom © MLC
It might be the penultimate league game of the season but it carries high stakes for Washington Freedom, who are currently third with 14 points and need a win to seal a top-two finish. MI New York, tied with Seattle Orcas on 6 points, have made it to the playoffs courtesy a better NRR.
For a while, Orcas looked favourites to take the last remaining playoff spot, but back-to-back losses against already-qualified teams made life difficult for them.
Freedom, meanwhile, are coming off a dominant win over the Orcas, where Glenn Maxwell starred with the ball, picking three wickets to help bowl them out for 82. The chase was wrapped up in less than 10 overs. With only two losses this season and a six-match winning streak in the middle, Freedom have been one of the most consistent teams. They’ll want to cap off the league stage with a top-two finish and earn themselves two chances to reach the final.
While MI New York are through, they would love to build some more momentum going into the playoffs. It’ll help that they come into this game with two wins on the bounce, both over LA Knight Riders. While the opposition wasn’t the strongest, especially with LAKR already eliminated and at the bottom of the table, it will still give them some confidence in a start-stop season. They’ve also fielded the same playing XI in their last two games. Additionally, Kieron Pollard’s return to form is a big plus, with a 50 off 36 in the last match following up his 70 against the Texas Super Kings.
When: Jul 06, Sunday, 03:00 PM LOCAL / 12:30 AM IST (Jul 07)
Where: Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill, Florida
What to expect: With a bit of weather around in Lauderhill, expect another sticky pitch and something on offer for the bowlers.
Team news:
Washington Freedom: They are likely to stick with the same team like the last match.
Probable XI: Mitchell Owen, Rachin Ravindra, Andries Gous (wk), Jack Edwards, Glenn Maxwell (c), Glenn Phillips, Obus Pienaar, Mukhtar Ahmed, Ian Holland, Saurabh Netravalkar, Lockie Ferguson
MI New York: They are likely to go in unchanged.
Probable XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Monank Patel, Nicholas Pooran (c), Tajinder Dhillon, Kieron Pollard, Michael Bracewell, George Linde, Nosthush Kenjige, Trent Boult, Rushil Ugarkar, Ehsan Adil
© Cricbuzz
