Dallas (USA), July 14: MI New York clinched their second Major League Cricket Trophy in three years defeating Washington Freedom by five runs with former South African keeper-batter Quinton de Kock smashing a fine half-century at the Grand Prairie Stadium here.
De Kock’s 46-ball 77, studded with six boundaries and four sixes, helped MI New York, owned by IPL franchise Mumbai Indians, to a competitive 180 for 7 in 20 overs.
In reply, Washington Freedom could only manage 175/4 despite New Zealand opening batter Rachin Ravindra’s quick-fire 70 (41 balls) and country-mate Glenn Phillips unbeaten 34-ball 48.
MI New York openers Monank Patel (28) and De Kock laid the platform for a fighting total with a 72-run stand before West Indian Nichola Pooran (21) and De Kock put up another half-century partnership.
New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson (3/21) was the most successful Washington Freedom bowler, accounting for both the openers and the dangerous Kieron Pollard for a duck.
Washington Freedom were off to a bad start, losing opener Mitchell Owen and Andries Gous for duck before Ravindra and Jack Edwards steadied the innings with an 84-run third-wicket stand. But Ravindra’s departure in the 16th over saw Washington Freedom lose the way. (PTI)
