Washington Freedom drubbed San Francisco Unicorns by a massive 96 runs in the MLC final, securing their maiden title. Batting first, Washington posted a mammoth 207 runs in 20 overs, thanks to Steven Smith’s (88 off 52) scintillating knock. In response, Unicorns fell like nine pins and were skittled for 111 runs in 16 overs, courtesy of Marco Jansen (3/28) and Rachin Ravindra’s (3/23) impressive bowling display.
Match Summary
- Toss: Corey Anderson (SFU) won the toss and opted to bowl.
- Washington Freedom Innings: 207/5 in 20 overs
- Steven Smith: 88 (52)
- Glenn Maxwell: 40 (22)
- Key Bowler: Pat Cummins (2/35)
- San Francisco Unicorns Innings: 111/10 in 16 overs
- Carmi le Roux: 20* (19)
- Josh Inglis: 18 (11)
- Key Bowler: Rachin Ravindra (3/23)
Key Moments
Pat Cummins Provides an Early Breakthrough
The Australian pacer operated with the new ball and made an immediate impact. Cummins trapped his compatriot Travis Head for a mere nine runs off six balls on his second ball of the match, providing an early breakthrough for his side in the MLC final. Head is known for his power-hitting and removing him cheaply in the summit clash was a big moment for the 31-year-old pacer. 
Steven Smith’s Scintillating knock
The Unicorns’ skipper led his side from the front in the second season of the MLC and continued his impressive form in the summit clash. Smith took his time to settle at the crease and then shifted gears after the powerplay. The right-hander pummeled the Unicorns’ bowlers all around the park, contributing a pivotal 88 runs off 52 balls, including seven fours and six sixes. His scintillating knock laid a solid foundation for Freedom in the grand finale.
Glenn Maxwell’s Cameo
The Aussie batter has a knack for performing in big games, and once again, he delivered for his side in the summit clash. Maxwell amassed 40 runs off 22 balls, including four sixes and one four. His rapid knock provided the necessary acceleration for the Unicorns in the MLC final.
Jansen & Ravindra’s Dominance
Protea bowler Marco Jansen has consistently contributed to Freedom throughout the MLC, and he finished the tournament on a high note. The left-arm pacer started the proceedings with the new ball and clean-bowled both of the Unicorns’ openers—Finn Allen (13 off 13) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (3 off 6)—inside the powerplay, providing a rollicking start for his side. Rachin Ravindra then joined forces with Jansen to remove the tailenders quickly. Jansen and Ravindra shared six wickets between them in the MLC final, helping to skittle their opponents for a meager total in 16 overs.
Implications and Future Prospects
San Francisco Unicorns performed well throughout the tournament but choked in the summit clash. The bowlers looked mediocre in this crucial clash, while the batters faltered miserably, with 20 runs being the highest individual contribution for Unicorns. Jake Fraser-McGurk (81 runs off 7 innings), Sherfane Rutherford (42 runs in 6 innings), and Haris Rauf (4 wickets in 9 innings) were the major disappointments for the San Francisco-based franchise in the second season of MLC. Corey Anderson and Co. faced a heartbreak at the end of the event but they would be pleased with their performance throughout the tournament.
On the other hand, Washington Freedom kept ticking the right boxes as the tournament progressed and ultimately clinched their maiden MLC title. After Travis Head fell cheaply, Smith took responsibility for laying a solid foundation, while Maxwell and Mukhtar Ahmed provided the finishing touches, exemplifying teamwork. Bowlers played a crucial role in Freedom’s victory, with Saurabh Netravalkar finishing as the leading wicket-taker of the event, claiming 15 wickets in seven innings. Rachin Ravindra (12 wickets) and Marco Janden (11 wickets) finished second and third in the leading wicket-taker list, highlighting Washington’s bowling dominance in MLC 2024.
MLC 2024: Top Performer
- Leading Wicket Taker Award: Saurabh Netravalkar (15 Wickets for Washington Freedom)
- Leading Run Scorer Award: Faf du Plessis (420 runs for Texas Super Kings)
- Most Valuable Player of the Tournament Award: Travis Head (336 runs for Washington Freedom at the strike rate of 173, and 5 half-centuries)
Conclusion
Washington’s bowling proved too hot to handle for San Francisco in the MLC final, leading to a heartbreaking end for the Unicorns. Smith’s captaincy was top-notch throughout the tournament, and Freedom were the deserving side to lift the silverware.
Also Read
- Players in Line to Replace Virat Kohli in T20Is
- Dassanayake to part ways with Cricket Canada
- 7 Unforgettable MS Dhoni Innings for His Birthday Special
- Dravid Declines Higher Bonus, Shares Equally With Support Staff
- Mohsin Powers Texas Super Kings to First MLC Victory
- India’s World Cup Triumph Celebrations: As it Happened
- Shakib and Iftikhar Shine as Bangla Tigers Secure Victory in Global T20
- Five Big Names Who Faltered at Euro 2024
