Washington Freedom defeated the San Francisco Unicorns by a commanding 96 runs to claim the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 title.
Washington Freedom won the championship final at Grand Prairie Stadium by a commanding 96 runs against the San Francisco Unicorns, showcasing their impressive power hitting and calculated bowling to claim the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 trophy. With Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell leading the way, Freedom set a daunting goal of 208, which the Unicorns were unable to meet in the Sunday game. The Unicorns were instantly at a disadvantage, needing a good start.Jake Fraser-McGurk (3) was removed early in the third over, while Finn Allen (13), who made a century in the qualifier, was removed by Marco Jansen (3/28), who dealt a significant blow. The Unicorns were clearly in trouble as the score reached 30/3.
Sherfane Rutherford,4, and Josh Inglis,18, both fell early, putting an end to any dreams of a miraculous chase. This completed the middle-order collapse. After being brought on for the final, Andrew Tye took two crucial wickets to further tighten the noose around the Unicorns. Then, with a powerful spell, Rachin Ravindra eliminated the tail, finishing with 3/23.Early in the third over, Jake Fraser-McGurk (3) was removed, and Marco Jansen (3/28) delivered a vital blow by removingEarlier in the event final match, the Washington squad fell behind Head (9) early. Then, with a brilliant knock to start the innings, Steve Smith (88 in 52 balls, seven fours, and six sixes) seized center stage.
Andries Gous (21 in 14 balls, three fours, and a six) provided him with useful support. Gous and Rachin Ravindra (11) fell without making much of an impact. Relentlessly, Smith struck out with a flurry of blows, effortlessly hitting the boundary.After Smith was joined by Glenn Maxwell (40 in 22 balls, 4 down, 4 sixes), the two used aggressive batting to put the Unicorns out of the game. Drysdale let up 28 runs in a famous over as Smith and Maxwell washaving like crazy, laying the groundwork for a huge total.
Following Maxwell’s and Smith’s departures, Mukhtar Ahmed (19*) took the wicket. With two quick big smashes, he made a rapid appearance and helped the total beyond 200. A final record of 208 was reached by the Freedom at the completion of their inning.
Simple Scores: Josh Inglis 18, Marco Jansen 3/28, Carli Le Roux 20, and Pat Cummins 2/35 of the Washington Freedom defeated the San Francisco Unicorns by a margin of 96 runs.
