Kieron Pollard Plucks A Sensational Juggling Catch To Dismiss Andries Gous In Thrilling MLC 2025 Final

In a cricket match that had it all—blistering batting, fierce pace bowling, fielding wizardry, and a rousing finish—MI New York emerged victorious over Washington Freedom by just 5 runs to claim their second Major League Cricket title. The Grand Prairie Stadium roared as young hero Rushil Ugarkar defended the last over and captain Kieron Pollard smashed a gripping juggling catch early on, sealing one of the most memorable finals in MLC history.

Captain Pollard’s Juggling Masterclass

The matchup’s tone was set right from the start. Bowling to openers Mitchell Owen and Andries Gous, Trent Boult delivered a precision in-swinger, nicked off Gous’s bat, and sent the ball high in the air. But it was Kieron Pollard, stationed at mid-on, who produced a moment of pure brilliance. The ball dipped dramatically, forcing him to backpedal and execute a stunning juggling catch—dropping it off his hands, chest, then shoulder—before firmly claiming it on the fourth attempt. The stadium erupted in applause as Pollard’s roar echoed the tension of the moment.

That catch, more than just a dismissal, broke Washington’s fragile momentum and fueled MI New York’s energy from the outset.

Quinton de Kock’s Explosive Foundation

Sent in to bat, MI New York got off to a flying start. Monank Patel offered stability, but it was Quinton de Kock who took center stage. His innings of 77 off 46 balls, featuring 6 fours and 4 sixes, was vintage de Kock—aggressive, controlled, and entertaining.

Their opening stand of 72 in just 7.1 overs set the platform. While Lockie Ferguson pegged things back with a fiery 3/21, MI New York remained ahead of the clock, eventually finishing with a competitive 180/7, thanks to Kunwarjeet Singh’s cameo of 22* off 13

Washington’s Steely Response: Ravindra & Edwards

Chasing 181, Washington didn’t panic. They stumbled early—Owen and Gous out for ducks to Boult—but a calm partnership between Rachin Ravindra (70 off 41) and Jack Edwards (33 off 22) brought them back into the contest with an 84-run stand.

Ravindra’s knock, lit with eight fours and two sixes, seemed electric enough to chase victory. Meanwhile, Glenn Phillips supported with a composed 48*, keeping their hopes alive deep into the final overs.

Pace & Strategy: Boult, Ugarkar, Kenjige Key Roles

As the run-rate ramped up, MI New York’s bowlers delivered under pressure:

Trent Boult (2/32) opened the floodgates, striking early and maintaining composure through the middle overs.
Nosthush Kenjige (1/30) ran through the middle order right after Philippe’s cameo had steadied the chase

Rushil Ugarkar (2/32)—the 22-year-old hero—claimed wickets of Maxwell and Ravindra in the final over, holding his nerve to defend 12 runs with fierce tactical accuracy.

The mix of disciplined pace bowling, cutting field placements, and changing pace led to a collapse that mirrored the pressure Washington had built.

The Final Over: Ugarkar’s Moment of Destiny

With 12 needed off the final over and Maxwell and Phillips at the crease, the tension was palpable. Ugarkar’s final over unfolded like a cinematic script:

Dot
Dot
Single
Wicket (Maxwell caught)
Dot
Four? No—the freedom was locked. MI New York clinched the title.

Washington fell short at 175/5, and Rushil Ugarkar was rightfully named Player of the Match, lauded for his dismissals and calm under extreme pressure.

Match Summary at a Glance

Team	Score	Highlights
MI New York	180/7 (20 overs)	de Kock 77; Patel 28; Singh 22*; Ferguson 3/21
Washington Freedom	175/5 (20 overs)	Ravindra 70; Phillips 48*; Edwards 33; Uga rkar 2/32; Boult 2/32; Kenjige 1/30

MI New York’s Remarkable Run

This victory capped a comeback story. MI New York started the season with just 3 wins in 10 league matches but swept through the Eliminator, Challenger, and Final to complete one of the greatest turnarounds in MLC history

Their adaptability, clutch performances, and mental resilience were on full display.

Legacy, Impact, and What’s Next

MI New York now boasts two MLC titles (2023 & 2025), solidifying their position as the league’s dominant franchise .
Rushil Ugarkar, still under 23, has taken the spotlight, claiming both Player of the Match and Best U23 Player awards.
For Washington Freedom, this loss is painful—but with top performances in league play, their future remains bright.

Final Word

The 2025 MLC final was a showcase of franchise-T20 cricket’s best elements: tactical nuance, athletic brilliance, resilient performances, and staggering pressure moments. MI New York’s triumph was anchored by fielding heroics, batting flair, strategic bowling, and a fearless young talent in Ugarkar.

For cricket fans, this final will be remembered as a game of crunch, composure, and pure entertainment—a testament to the growing passion for the sport in the United States.

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