Nicholas Pooran’s 102-metre Monster Six Powers MI New York Into MLC 2025 Final With Win Over Texas Super Kings

Dallas, July 11, 2025 — On a warm Texan evening under the lights of Grand Prairie Stadium, cricket fans witnessed a masterclass in T20 power-hitting and composure as MI New York (MINY) stormed into the Major League Cricket 2025 Final, defeating Texas Super Kings (TSK) by seven wickets in Qualifier 2. It was a night where two Caribbean giants—Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard—rose to the occasion and delivered when it mattered most.

With 167 runs needed for a spot in the final, the chase was never going to be easy. But when Pooran launched Marcus Stoinis into the Dallas night for a 102-meter six, the game turned on its head. That one moment, that one swing, silenced any remaining doubts and ignited a run-chase that was clinical, commanding, and completely Caribbean in flavor.

TSK’s Unsteady Start: Early Wickets Rattle the Hosts

Opting to bat first in this high-stakes contest, TSK’s decision initially seemed questionable. The Grand Prairie surface, known for offering some early movement, gave MINY’s bowlers the edge right away.

MINY’s bowling duo of Tristan Luus and Rushil Ugarkar bowled tight lines and exploited the conditions expertly. The Super Kings’ top order crumbled under pressure, with three wickets falling inside the powerplay. Luus dismissed the dangerous Devon Conway early, while Ugarkar struck twice to remove the ever-reliable Ambati Rayudu and Daniel Sams, leaving TSK reeling at 38/3 in six overs.

With the innings teetering, Faf du Plessis stood tall. The South African veteran, known for his big-game temperament, anchored the innings with a composed 59 off 42 balls. Faf rotated strike efficiently and found the gaps regularly, helping TSK regain stability.

Akeal Hosein’s Late Surge: TSK Push Past 160

While du Plessis laid the foundation, it was Akeal Hosein who provided the much-needed spark in the death overs. Coming in at No. 6, the West Indian all-rounder played a fearless knock, blasting 55 off just 32 deliveries, which included 3 fours and 4 massive sixes.

His calculated assault in the final five overs turned what looked like a sub-par total into a competitive 166/5. The final three overs went for 43 runs, giving TSK momentum at the halfway mark.

Luus (3/35) and Ugarkar (2/31) were the standout bowlers, while Trent Boult and Kagiso Rabada were expensive at the death but had already done the early damage.

MINY’s Rocky Start: de Kock Falls Early

In reply, MI New York’s chase began on shaky ground. Quinton de Kock, their seasoned opener, departed early, edging a delivery behind to the keeper in the third over. With the score reading just 14/1, TSK’s bowlers tightened the screws.

But Monank Patel, the ever-improving USA international, displayed maturity beyond his years. His knock of 49 off 39 balls included six crisp boundaries and helped rebuild the innings alongside Pooran. Monank mixed caution with aggression, ensuring MINY didn’t slip further during the middle overs.

When Patel fell in the 13th over to a clever slower ball from Sams, MINY were 83/3—still needing 84 runs from 42 balls. It was the moment when the game could’ve swung either way.

The Turning Point: Pooran’s 102-Meter Monster

Enter the 16th over. The pressure mounting. Marcus Stoinis, typically a go-to option in tight chases, was handed the ball. Facing him, Nicholas Pooran, already looking ominous, was about to redefine the moment.

Stoinis floated a full delivery wide outside off. Pooran cleared his front leg and unleashed a monstrous swing, connecting sweetly and sending the ball 102 meters into the Dallas night sky, over wide long-on.

The stadium erupted. It wasn’t just a six—it was a psychological blow. The shot silenced the crowd, rattled TSK, and infused MI New York with belief. From that moment on, the chase felt inevitable.

Pooran’s celebration was calm—a nod to the ice in his veins. But his eyes said it all: he was here to finish it.

Pollard Joins the Party: Power + Precision

At the other end stood Kieron Pollard, a man known for finishing games in style. While Pooran had delivered the turning point, it was Pollard who ensured the game never slipped away.

His approach was vintage Pollard—patient early, then explosive. He picked his moments, targeted specific bowlers, and smashed 47 not out from just 22 deliveries. His innings included 4 fours and 3 sixes, the pick of which was a straight hit off Gerald Coetzee that nearly cleared the stadium roof.

Together, Pollard and Pooran added 89 runs in just 41 balls, completely dismantling the TSK bowling lineup.

Clinical Finish: MINY Seal it with an Over to Spare

The 19th over began with just 6 runs needed. Fittingly, it was Pooran who ended the match in style—lofting a length ball over cover for four, followed by a signature wristy flick to deep mid-wicket for two.

MI New York had chased down 167 in 19 overs, winning the match by seven wickets and sealing their spot in the MLC 2025 final.

Player of the Match: Kieron Pollard’s Commanding Knock

Although Pooran’s towering six might go down as the moment of the match, it was Kieron Pollard who was named Player of the Match for his game-sealing 47* off 22.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Pollard said:

“It’s about backing ourselves. Pooran was brilliant. Once we got past the 15th over with wickets in hand, we knew we could finish strong. This team has shown fight, and we’re hungry for that trophy.”

Stat Highlights

102 meters – Distance of Pooran’s six off Stoinis, the longest in MLC 2025 so far.
89 (41 balls)* – Unbeaten partnership between Pooran and Pollard.
Monank Patel – Most runs for MINY in the tournament so far, with 253 runs.
Tristan Luus – Most wickets for MINY with 12 scalps in the season.

What This Win Means for MI New York

This victory was more than just a qualification; it was a statement of intent. Pooran and Pollard’s form peaking at the right time makes MINY a dangerous contender heading into the final. Their experience, calm under pressure, and ability to execute under the lights give them an edge that few teams can match.

The bowling unit too has clicked—Luus, Ugarkar, and Rabada have complemented each other well. With their batting now firing on all cylinders, MI New York look like the team to beat in the final.

TSK’s Campaign Ends: Bright Spots Amid Disappointment

For Texas Super Kings, the loss will sting. After topping the table in the league stage and dominating several matches, they fell short when it mattered most. Despite Faf du Plessis’ consistency and Hosein’s all-round brilliance, the middle order’s fragility and inconsistent death bowling cost them dearly.

Captain du Plessis reflected:

“Credit to MI New York. They finished strongly. We just didn’t get enough in the last 4 overs with the ball. But proud of our journey, and there’s a lot to take away for next season.”

Looking Ahead: The Grand Finale Awaits

MI New York will now face the Seattle Orcas in the MLC 2025 Final—a rematch of last year’s semi-final clash where MINY fell short. With their current form, vengeance will be on their minds, and so will the coveted MLC trophy.

With Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard in sublime form, few would bet against them going all the way.

Final Thoughts

Qualifier 2 of MLC 2025 wasn’t just a match—it was a spectacle. It had drama, shifts in momentum, a 102-meter monster six, and the ice-cold finishing of two of T20’s most explosive stars. For Pooran and Pollard, this was more than a victory—it was a reaffirmation of their enduring legacy as match-winners.

As MI New York march into the final with wind in their sails, one thing is certain: if they bat second again, don’t leave your seats early—the fireworks are guaranteed.

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