Washington Freedom defeated San Francisco Unicorns MLC 2024 Final
2024.07.30
Washington Freedom defeated the San Francisco Unicorns by a dominating 96 runs to win the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 championship in an exciting conclusion at Grand Prairie Stadium.
After winning the toss, the Unicorns chose to bowl first and were up against a formidable Washington batting lineup. Washington Freedom scored 207 for 5 in their 20 overs, setting a challenging goal. With seven fours and six sixes in his explosive 88 off 52 balls, Steve Smith was the innings’ standout performer.
The innings was supported by his partnership with Glenn Maxwell, who hit 40 off 22 balls with one four and four sixes. The score was further supported by Andries Gous (21 off 14), Mukhtar Ahmed (19 off 9), and Obus Pienaar (13 off 9). With two wickets for thirty-five runs, Pat Cummins was the most effective bowler for San Francisco. Hassan Khan, Haris Rauf, and Juanoy Drysdale also claimed wickets, albeit at a high cost.
The San Francisco Unicorns, chasing 208, were bowled out for 111 in 16 overs after falling behind early and never getting back up. Rachin Ravindra and Marco Jansen both claimed three wickets apiece for Washington, allowing 28 and 23 runs to be scored, demonstrating the bowlers’ relentlessness.
Important breakthroughs were made by Andrew Tye, who took two wickets for just 12 runs in his two overs. Maxwell also contributed a wicket. With the exception of Carmi le Roux (20 off 19) and Josh Inglis (18 off 11), who offered some brief opposition, the Unicorns had difficulty forming partnerships.
The Washington Freedom’s convincing victory was evidence of their strong all-around effort, which included noteworthy contributions from their bowlers and hitters. With this win, Washington Freedom were crowned the MLC 2024 winners, capping an incredible season.
@charith rajapaksha
