Washington Freedom defeated MI New York by 4 runs (DLS) in a rain-hit game to start their Major League Cricket campaign on a winning note. Batting first, MI New York posted 154 runs in 20 overs, thanks to a well-composed knock from Nicholas Pooran (44 off 30) and a valuable cameo from Rashid Khan (31 off 15) at the end. Washington Freedom found themselves 4 runs ahead of the DLS total when the rain intervened, scoring 55/1 in 7.4 overs, courtesy of Steven Smith’s (46* off 28) impactful knock.
Match Summary
- Toss: Steven Smith (WF) won the toss and elected to field.
- MI New York innings: 154/9 in 20 overs
- Nicholas Pooran: 44 (30)
- Rashid Khan: 31 (15)
- Key Bowler: Saurabh Netravalkar (3/24)
- Washington Freedom Innings: 55/1 in 7.4 overs
- Steven Smith: 46* (28)
- Andries Gous: 5* (11)
- Key Bowler: Ehsan Adil (1/14) in 2 overs
Key Moments:
Marco Jansen Draws the First Blood
After opting to field first, Steve Smith employed the Protea bowler, Marco Jansen, with the new ball, and the left-arm pacer stood up to the expectations. He trapped Monank Patel for a mere 5 runs in the third over of the innings and provided an early breakthrough for the Washington-based franchise.
Saurabh Netravalkar and Justin Dill topple MI batters
After the impressive performance in the recently concluded T20 World Cup, Saurabh Netravalkar (3/24) carried his form in the Major League Cricket (MLC). The left-arm pacer partnered with South African pacer, Justin Dill (3/33), and put the New York-based franchise in deep waters, with the duo sharing 6 wickets between them. The impressive bowling performances from both pacers helped Washington Freedom restrict their counterparts to a below-par total. 
Pooran & Rashid Help MI New York Post a Respectable Total
MI New York were rocked hard by Washington Freedom bowlers as they were tottering at 70/4 in 11 overs. However, Nicholas Pooran adapted to the situation quickly, playing sensibly and attacking the looseners. The West Indian batter played a valuable knock of 44 runs off 30 balls, with 5 fours and a six. Following the departure of Pooran, Rashid Khan stepped up with the bat and scored a rapid 31 runs off just 15 balls, which provided the required acceleration in the innings and helped MI New York cross the 150-run mark.
Steven Smith’s Knock Helps Washington Stay Ahead of DLS Total
In pursuit of MI New York’s 154 runs, Washington Freedom lost Travis Head for just one run in the second over of the innings. However, Steven Smith played with authority and scored briskly to keep the run rate in check. The Aussie batter was unbeaten on 46 runs off 28 balls, and the scoreboard read 55/1 in 7.4 overs when the heavens opened up, making further play impossible due to persistent rain. Smith’s knock proved crucial for Washington, as they were 4 runs ahead of the DLS total and were declared the winner.
Implications and Future Prospects
MI New York’s batting once again faltered, barring Pooran and Rashid Khan their big guns failed to make an impact with the bat. Monank Patel, Tim David, Shayan Jahangir, and Poolard need to get into their grooves as the tournament progresses.
On the other hand, Washington’s Travis Head, who failed to make an impact in this match, will aim to regain his momentum and play up to his reputation. Bowling needs to be more crisp in the death overs for the Washington side.
Upcoming Fixtures
- Washington Freedom vs Texas Super Kings: July 8 (local time)
- MI New York vs Texas Super Kings: July 12 (local time)
Conclusion
Washington’s tight bowling in the first half of the innings made the difference in this match. Steven Smith’s form with the bat is a positive sign for the Washington-based franchise. On the other hand, MI New York have plenty of skilled players in their squad but they need to step up and help their side return to winning ways.
