Seattle Orcas’ defeat to San Francisco Unicorns in the latest 2024 Major League Cricket clash resulted in the playoffs confirmation for the top three teams in the league table. This leaves MI New York (MINY) and Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) to fight for one final spot in a blockbuster showdown at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.
The New York side failed to win a game in the last couple of weeks after emerging victorious in their tournament opener. With three points from six matches, the defending champions are in a tricky situation on a must-win encounter. They will also have to ensure that they get a win by a huge margin to topple the Knight Riders in terms of net run rate.
On the flip side, the Sunil Narine-led team bounced back after a series of defeats midway through the competition. They have gathered five points from six matches with a couple of wins and three losses. A win would ensure MI a playoff berth, but they’ll have to drag the game close if they lose the contest. 
Before the virtual quarter-final, we dive into the head-to-head, top players, pitch report, and match predictions.
Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas Pitch Report
The pacers have often found the ball swinging early in the contest here. Also, the spinners have picked more wickets due to the worn-out pitches. However, if set, a batter can still score chunks of runs.
Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas Pitch Stats
Total Matches: 9
Matches won batting first: 5
Matches won bowling first: 4
Average 1st innings total: 165
Average 2nd innings total: 142
Highest total recorded: 206/5 by LAKR vs SO
Lowest total recorded: 106 by NEP vs NED
MINY vs LAKR Head-to-Head
Both teams have faced off once in MLC history and the New York side edged past the Knight Riders by 105 runs. This will be their first encounter against one another in this particular edition.
MINY vs LAKR Conditions-based Predictions
- There’s enough purchase on the strips for the new ball to do its bit.
- The spinners are getting a handy grip nowadays.
- Batters can capitalize after being set.
MINY vs LAKR Top Players Predictions
Spencer Johnson (LAKR): Touted as the next big thing in Australia’s pace department, Spencer Johnson has been marvelous with the ball in MLC 2024. He has the ability to swing the new ball and his height adds an extra layer of sharpness to his armoury. Johnson bagged eight wickets from five matches at a bowling average of 19.75.
Rashid Khan (MINY): Be it with the bat or the ball, the all-rounder left no stone unturned in MLC 2024. He has been more than handy lower down the batting order and smashed an explosive half-century against the Texas Super Kings. In addition, the Afghan white-ball captain has scalped seven wickets with a bowling average of 16.57.
Nicholas Pooran (MINY): Nicholas Pooran has been the main factor in New York’s lone victory in the competition thus far. His blitzkrieg 37-ball 62* enabled MI to chase down 111 runs on a tricky surface. He has accumulated 137 runs from five innings at an average of 34.25 and would be hoping to replicate last year’s final heroics where Pooran smashed a blistering ton against the Orcas.
MINY vs LAKR Hit or Miss Prediction
Sunil Narine (LAKR): The captain of the team has failed to lead from the front, especially with the bat in hand at the top of the order. However, Narine can be destructive inside the powerplay when it matters the most. The all-rounder is a genius when it comes to finger spin and can play a crucial role in the do-or-die affair.
MINY vs LAKR Local Players to watch out for
- Ehsan Adil (MINY)
- Ali Khan (LAKR)
- Unmukt Chand (LAKR)
MINY vs LAKR Match Predictions
Both teams have had their fair share of challenges against the new white cherry this season. Hence, MINY may have an opening stand of less than 17.5 (1.85) runs Similarly, the Knights might have an opening stand of less than 19.5 (1.85) runs. Few of the batters have fared well in Dallas and the contest might see an individual highest score of above 63.5 (1.87).
MINY vs LAKR Winner Predictions
LAKR have found their momentum after winning their latest game and have the upper hand in this battle. However, MINY will take inspiration from the last time they met LAKR. This can turn out to be a fantastic battle with the qualification at stake.
