MLC 2025 Final: Fans Erupt As Rushil Ugarkar’s Heroics Power MI New York To Second Title With Nail-biting Win Over Washington Freedom

In a heart-stopping finale to Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025, MI New York clinched their second championship title by edging past Washington Freedom by just 5 runs at the electrifying Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. The match had everything fans could ask for: blistering batting, nerve-wracking collapses, and a last-over finish that kept hearts pounding till the final delivery. While Quinton de Kock dazzled with the bat for New York, it was the calm head and precision of Rushil Ugarkar in the death overs that proved to be the defining difference between the two sides.

The Build-Up: A Clash of Powerhouses

Both MI New York and Washington Freedom came into the final riding high on strong campaigns. New York, bolstered by their solid batting depth and experienced international core, had looked the team to beat. Meanwhile, Washington, powered by a mix of youthful exuberance and seasoned internationals, had been equally impressive with their balanced approach.

In this high-octane finale, Washington won the toss and opted to bowl, banking on their chase-friendly record at the venue and trusting their deep batting lineup to deliver under pressure.

First Innings: Quinton de Kock Shines Bright in a Balanced Effort

MI New York’s innings began with purpose and flair. Openers Monank Patel and Quinton de Kock made early intentions clear, racing to 72 runs in just 7.1 overs. Monank’s composed 28 off 21 balls allowed de Kock the freedom to attack from the get-go. The South African left-hander was in full flow, punishing anything short or wide, and displayed his full repertoire of strokes—pulls, sweeps, lofts, and blistering cover drives.

De Kock’s 77 off 46 balls—laced with 10 boundaries and 2 sixes—was a masterclass in controlled aggression. However, after his departure, New York’s middle-order faced a wobble. Kieron Pollard fell for a golden duck, undone by a Lockie Ferguson special, and Michael Bracewell managed just 4. The scoring rate slowed, with Washington clawing their way back thanks to Ferguson’s fiery spell of 4-0-21-3.

Still, a late cameo by Kunwarjeet Singh, who smashed 22* off just 13 balls, ensured MI New York finished at a competitive 180/7. While at one stage a total around 200 seemed on the cards, Washington’s disciplined death bowling—especially by Ferguson and Jack Edwards—reined them in.

💡 Key First Innings Stats:

Quinton de Kock – 77 (46)
Opening partnership – 72 (7.1 overs)
Lockie Ferguson – 4-0-21-3
MI New York: 180/7 (20 overs)

Second Innings: A Chaotic Start, Ravindra’s Resistance, and the Final Over Drama

Washington’s run-chase couldn’t have begun in worse fashion. The first over turned into a disaster as Mitchell Owen and Andries Gous were dismissed for ducks, leaving them reeling at 0/2. The silent stadium suddenly roared to life when Rachin Ravindra arrived at the crease and began an astonishing counterattack.

With elegance and aggression, Rachin carved out one of the finest innings of the tournament, scoring 70 off 41 deliveries. His knock was a statement of intent—racing to his fifty in 29 balls with a flurry of boundaries. He found a reliable partner in Jack Edwards (33 off 22), and together they stitched an 84-run partnership for the third wicket that resurrected Washington’s hopes.

But cricket, as it often does, turned cruelly just when Washington began to dream. Edwards fell trying to accelerate, and the key moment came when Rachin Ravindra was dismissed at 130/4, attempting to force the pace against left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige. That wicket proved to be the turning point.

Despite Glenn Phillips holding the fort with a calm and composed 48 off 34*, Washington began losing momentum. The asking rate kept climbing, and pressure mounted as MI New York’s bowlers tightened the screws.

Rushil Ugarkar: The Iceman of Dallas

The hero of the final, however, emerged in the form of young pacer Rushil Ugarkar. Tasked with bowling the all-important death overs, Ugarkar held his nerve superbly. His figures of 2/32 don’t do justice to the pressure-laden situations in which he picked his wickets—none bigger than Maxwell and Rachin Ravindra.

Coming into the final over, Washington needed 13 runs to win, with Phillips still in and a boundary-hitter like Saurabh Netravalkar at the non-striker’s end. But Ugarkar’s variations—wide yorkers, slower balls, and pinpoint off-cutters—left the batters searching for answers. Only 7 runs came off the final over, and MI New York erupted in celebration.

💡 Key Bowling Figures:

Rushil Ugarkar – 4-0-32-2 (Player of the Match)
Trent Boult – 4-0-32-2
Nosthush Kenjige – 4-0-30-1
Washington Freedom: 175/5 (20 overs)

The Aftermath: MI New York’s Second Title

The narrow 5-run win marked MI New York’s second Major League Cricket title, and arguably their most hard-fought one. With the perfect blend of international experience and rising domestic talent, the team showed immense composure in pressure situations.

Captain Kieron Pollard, though not contributing with the bat in the final, played a crucial role in marshalling his troops and rotating bowlers tactically. From opening with spin to trusting Ugarkar with the final over, every move reflected the years of T20 experience under his belt.

What They Said

Kieron Pollard (MI New York Captain):

“We knew 180 was a fighting total. Credit to Quinton and Monank for that start. But the bowlers were the real heroes today, especially Rushil. Proud of the boys for holding their nerve.”

Rushil Ugarkar (Player of the Match):

“Honestly, I was nervous. But Pollard kept backing me. I just wanted to stick to the plan and bowl my best deliveries. It’s a dream to perform in a final like this.”

Rachin Ravindra (Washington Freedom):

“It hurts to come so close and fall short. We had our moments, but credit to New York for the way they executed under pressure. We’ll come back stronger.”

Match Summary

🏟️ Venue: Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas
🎯 Result: MI New York beat Washington Freedom by 5 runs
🏆 MI New York: 180/7 (20 overs)

Q de Kock 77 (46), Monank 28 (21)
Ferguson 3/21, Edwards 1/38

🧨 Washington Freedom: 175/5 (20 overs)

R Ravindra 70 (41), Phillips 48* (34)
Ugarkar 2/32, Boult 2/32

⭐ Player of the Match: Rushil Ugarkar (2/32)

Final Takeaways

What Went Right for MI New York:

A blistering start from de Kock and Monank
Tactical bowling changes and consistent pressure
Death-over brilliance from Ugarkar and Boult

Where Washington Missed Out:

Double ducks in the first over set the tone negatively
Middle-order couldn’t maintain the tempo post-Rachin’s wicket
Left too much to Phillips and the tail in the final overs

MLC 2025: A Tournament to Remember

The final was a fitting climax to what has been a breakthrough season for Major League Cricket. The rise of new stars like Rushil Ugarkar, the impact of global names like de Kock, Maxwell, and Boult, and the crowds that packed stadiums in Dallas, Morrisville, and Houston, all pointed toward a bright future for cricket in the United States.

With MI New York adding another trophy to their cabinet, and Washington Freedom walking away with heads held high, the league is proving to be a thrilling addition to the global T20 calendar.

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