MI New York defeated Los Angeles Knight Riders by four wickets in a virtual knockout match in MLC. Batting first, Knight Riders were skittled for a paltry 130 runs, courtesy of Rashid Khan’s (3/22) impressive bowling. In response, Kieron Pollard’s (33* off 12) rampage helped New York cross the line in 17 overs.
Match Summary
- Toss: Kieron Pollard (MINY) won the toss and opted to field.
- Los Angeles Knight Riders Innings: 130/10 in 19.1 overs
- Andre Russell: 35 (21)
- Jason Roy: 37 (23)
- Key Bowler: Rashid Khan (3/22)
- MI New York Innings: 134/6 in 17 overs
- Nicholas Pooran: 35 (28)
- Kieron Pollard: 33* (12)
- Key Bowler: Sunil Narine (2/14)
Key Moments
Boult Draws the First Blood
The left-arm pacer operated with the new ball and struck on the fifth ball of his spell. He trapped Sunil Narine for just six runs, providing another early breakthrough for MI New York in the MLC.
Rashid Khan’s Magic
Wizardry
#OneFamily #MINewYork #CognizantMajorLeagueCricket #MINYvLAKR pic.twitter.com/IlD9sXANwM
— MI New York (@MINYCricket) July 22, 2024 
The spin wizard was introduced into the attack in the powerplay and he proved too hot to handle for Knight Riders. Rashid removed the well-set Jason Roy (27 off 23) in his second over to grab his first wicket of the match. He then trapped Nitish Kumar (15 off 23) and Spencer Johnson (10 off 5), finishing his spell with 3/22. His solid bowling helped MI New York restrict their opponents to a below-par total in this crucial clash.
Russell’s Valuable Knock
Battle of the best – Andre Russell vs Rashid Khan
— Los Angeles Knight Riders (@LA_KnightRiders) July 22, 2024pic.twitter.com/pDOg2j3YXJ
The West Indian batter entered the fray at number seven with his side in turmoil, reeling at 78/5 inside 13 overs. Russell contributed a valuable 35 runs off 21 balls, including six fours and a six. His crucial innings propelled the Knight Riders’ score to 130 runs.
Spencer Johnson Provides the Much-Needed Breakthrough
The Aussie pacer started the proceedings with the new ball for Knight Riders and looked impressive in his first two overs but failed to extract any wickets. However, Narine employed Johnson for a third straight over, which proved fruitful for the Men in Purple. The left-arm pacer trapped Clinton for 8 runs, providing a much-needed breakthrough for Knight Riders.
Pollard’s Onslaught
WHAT A PERFORMANCE BY KIERON POLLARD – The @Lexus Amazing Play goes to Pollard for changing the game
— Major League Cricket (@MLCricket) July 22, 2024leading MINY to clinch a victory over LAKR!
#MLC2024 | #LexusAmazingPlay | #CognizantMajorLeagueCricket | #T20 | #MINYvLAKR pic.twitter.com/G7ayxickyU
The New York skipper peaked at the right moment in the MLC, helping his side secure a top-four spot. The Men in Blue needed to chase 130 runs in 18.2 overs to surpass the Knight Riders’ Net Run Rate and qualify for the playoffs. Pollard eased the pressure by smashing a hat-trick of sixes off Spencer Johnson in the 15th over. He scored an unbeaten 33 runs off just 12 balls, leading New York to victory with 18 balls to spare.
Implications and Future Prospects
It was a disappointing performance from the Knight Riders in this MLC, and they have been eliminated from the tournament. Their big guns lacked consistency and could only secure two wins in seven games.
On the other hand, MI New York peaked at the right time in the tournament, winning the crucial match under specific qualification scenarios to secure their place in the top four. Pollard’s form in this contest is a positive sign for the Men in Blue, but their middle-order batting needs improvement. If it weren’t for Pollard and Pooran, they might not have crossed the line within 18.2 overs. Overall, the defending champions need to address their loopholes before the MLC Eliminator to defeat the Texas Super Kings.
Upcoming Fixtures
Familiar foes next
— MI New York (@MINYCricket) July 22, 2024#OneFamily #MINewYork #CognizantMajorLeagueCricket pic.twitter.com/JPbvZUePP9
- Eliminator: Texas Super Kings vs MI New York, July 24 (local time)
Conclusion
Both Knight Riders and New York finished the league stage with 5 points each, but New York secured a top-four spot due to their superior Net Run Rate (-0.451) compared to the Knight Riders (-0.710). The defending champions will look to take learnings from the league stage and perform well in the playoffs.
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