Andries Gous (Image credit: MLC)
NEW DELIH: Washington Freedom signed off their Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 league-stage campaign with a five-wicket win over MI New York at Grand Prairie, successfully chasing 188 in just 18.3 overs. Despite a brilliant 86 off 44 balls from Nicholas Pooran, Washington Freedom rode on Rachin Ravindra ‘s quickfire 60 and Andries Gous ‘ unbeaten knock of 96 to seal victory. The San Francisco Unicorns will take on the Los Angeles Knight Riders in the Qualifier, while Washington Freedom will face MI New York in the Eliminator on July 15. After being asked to bat first, MI New York lost Quinton de Kock (2) and Monank Patel (17) early.
With the league stage now over, all four playoff spots have been confirmed.
Nicholas Pooran’s Explosive Innings Leads MI New York to 187
Nicholas Pooran delivered a standout performance for MI New York, scoring 86 runs off just 44 balls, including four fours and eight sixes. His innings featured a crucial 90-run partnership for the third wicket with Kunwarjeet Singh, who contributed 26 runs from 20 balls.
Pooran’s innings concluded in the 16th over when he was dismissed lbw by Saurabh Netravalkar, leaving MI New York at 150/4. Kieron Pollard and Romario Shepherd struggled to make an impact, while Shakib Al Hasan added a modest 18 runs off 13 balls before his dismissal. Trent Boult remained not out on 6, helping MI New York to a total of 187/8.
For Washington Freedom, Saurabh Netravalkar, along with Ravindra and Ben Dwarshuis, each took two wickets in the innings.
Washington Freedom’s chase got off to a poor start as Mitchell Owen (7) and captain Steve Smith (3) were dismissed inside the first three overs, leaving the team at 13/2. Ravindra changed the momentum with a sparkling 60 off just 30 balls. At the other end, Andries Gous anchored the chase with a superb 96 off 54 deliveries, including four fours and eight sixes. Glenn Maxwell then finished the chase with an unbeaten 12 off five balls, while Nikhil Chaudhary remained not out on 3 as Washington Freedom reached the target with five wickets in hand and nine balls to spare. Rachin Ravindra Andries Gous 3k+ users shared opinion today 5k+ users already voted today 3k+ users shared opinion today Share Opinion Qualifer 1: San Francisco Unicorns vs Los Angeles Knight Riders Eliminator: Washington Freedom vs MI New York Qualifer 2: TBC vs TBC Final: TBC vs TBC Get the latest Sports News and Live updates.
He hit five fours and two sixes before being dismissed in the 14th over with Freedom well on course. He missed out on a century by just four runs after being dismissed in the 18th over. Poll Which player do you think had the most significant impact on Washington Freedom’s victory? Download the TOI app.