MLC 2025: MI New York Edge Past Washington Freedom by Five Runs to Clinch Title
In a dramatic final at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, MI New York pulled off a stunning five-run victory over defending champions Washington Freedom to lift the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) trophy on Monday. The thrilling contest saw MI New York showcase remarkable composure under pressure, capped off by Rushil Ugarkar’s nerve-wracking final over.
Chasing 181 for victory, Washington Freedom appeared in control at various stages, especially with Rachin Ravindra anchoring the innings with a fluent 70 off 41 balls. Jack Edwards provided early momentum with a 22-ball 33, but Freedom’s innings never fully accelerated after their dismissals. Glenn Phillips threatened to turn the match in the final overs, but the required run rate kept climbing. Glenn Maxwell, who had only one standout performance in the tournament with a 106* earlier against Texas Super Kings, couldn’t provide the finishing touch this time.
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Needing 12 runs in the final over, Washington had two big hitters at the crease in Maxwell and Phillips. However, Ugarkar held his nerve brilliantly, conceding only six runs to close out the match and seal the championship for MI New York. He finished with figures of 2 for 32, while Tajinder Singh also delivered a tidy spell, giving away just 18 runs in his three overs.
Earlier in the evening, Washington Freedom won the toss and chose to field. MI New York’s innings was powered by a solid opening stand between Quinton de Kock and Monank Patel, who added 72 runs in just 44 balls. De Kock was in vintage form, smashing 77 from 46 deliveries. He continued his aggressive approach during a third-wicket partnership of 56 off 35 balls with Nicholas Pooran, who contributed 21 from 17.
De Kock’s dismissal in the 17th over, taken by Lockie Ferguson as one of his three wickets, slightly slowed MINY’s momentum. But a quickfire unbeaten 22 from Kunwarjeet Singh ensured the team posted a competitive total of 180 for 7.
Washington’s bowlers, led by Ferguson (3 for 21), kept things tight in the death overs, but the earlier damage by MI New York’s top order proved decisive. With a disciplined bowling performance in the second innings and standout contributions from Boult, Singh, and Ugarkar, MI New York held their ground in a tense finish.
Mumbai Indians have now lifted their second MLC title in just three seasons through MI New York’s triumph. This victory also marks the franchise’s 13th global championship, cementing their legacy as the most successful T20 franchise group in the world. The win in the United States adds to their 2025 title hat-trick, following earlier victories by MI Cape Town in the SA20 league and Mumbai Indians Women in the Women’s Premier League.
The 2025 season was a showcase of the franchise’s remarkable consistency and global reach. Mumbai Indians fielded teams across five leagues on three continents — in India, South Africa, the UAE, the USA, and the WPL — reaching the playoffs in all five and clinching three titles. MI New York’s journey to the MLC crown was marked by solid team performances and strong leadership, adding another milestone to the franchise’s glittering legacy.
Celebrating the global success, Nita M. Ambani expressed pride in the team’s achievements, calling it a moment of passion, belief, and teamwork. She praised MI’s victories across India, South Africa, and the USA as a unifying force for fans and a symbol of the franchise’s deep-rooted culture. Akash M. Ambani highlighted the importance of creating a global platform that nurtures talent and inspires fans, noting the title hat-trick as a reflection of years of dedication and excellence across the Mumbai Indians family.
Mumbai Indians’ 13 titles span across different top-tier leagues: 5 IPL championships, 2 Women’s Premier League titles, 2 MLC trophies, 2 Champions League T20 wins, 1 ILT20 title with MI Emirates, and 1 SA20 crown with MI Cape Town. With teams based in India, South Africa, the UAE, and the United States, the franchise continues to shape the global T20 landscape through its winning mindset and unwavering support from fans across the world.
Brief scores:
- MI New York 180/7 (Quinton de Kock 77; Lockie Ferguson 3-21)
- Washington Freedom 175/5 (Rachin Ravindra 70; Rushil Ugarkar 2-32)
- MI New York win by 5 runs
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