MI New York (MINY) created one of the most inspiring comeback stories in T20 cricket history by winning the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) title, defeating defending champions Washington Freedom by 5 runs in a thrilling final at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas.
What makes this win even more special is how far MINY came. After losing six of their first seven matches, the team was almost written off. But they showed incredible fighting spirit, bouncing back with teamwork, strong performances, and belief. Their journey from the bottom to champions is nothing short of remarkable.
A Final to Remember
Batting first, MINY put up a competitive total of 180/7 in 20 overs. Quinton de Kock led the charge with a classy 77 off just 46 balls, smashing 6 fours and 4 sixes. He built a strong 72-run partnership with opener Monank Patel (28 off 22), giving MINY the perfect start. After some quick wickets in the middle, Nicholas Pooran steadied the innings by adding 56 runs with de Kock. However, Washington’s fast bowler Lockie Ferguson turned the game back with two quick wickets, removing both de Kock and Kieron Pollard in one over. MINY lost five wickets for just 18 runs at one point, but a quickfire 22* from Kunwarjeet Singh in the death overs helped them reach a solid total.
Washington’s Chase: A Roller-Coaster Ride
Washington Freedom’s chase started in the worst possible way. Star pacer Trent Boult removed both Mitchell Owen and Andries Gous in the very first over, leaving Freedom at 0/2. But Rachin Ravindra (70 off 41) and Jack Edwards (33 off 22) brought them back into the game with an 84-run stand. After Edwards was dismissed in the 9th over, Glenn Phillips and Ravindra added another 46 runs, keeping the chase alive.
The turning point came in the 16th over when young bowler Rushil Ugarkar dismissed the well-set Ravindra. Washington still had hope with Phillips and captain Glenn Maxwell at the crease. Phillips smashed two sixes in the 18th over off Tristan Luus to bring the equation close, but Boult bowled a tight 19th over, leaving 12 needed from the final six balls.
Youngster Holds His Nerve
All eyes were on 22-year-old Rushil Ugarkar, who was trusted with the final over. With the experienced duo of Maxwell and Phillips facing, it was a massive task. He started with two singles and then got the big wicket of Maxwell with a mistimed shot to long-on. That wicket tilted the game firmly in MINY's favor. New batter Obus Pienaar missed the next two deliveries, and 10 were needed off the final ball. Ugarkar kept his cool and delivered the perfect finish, sparking wild celebrations.
A Victory for Belief
MINY’s win wasn’t just about talent—it was about resilience, unity, and belief. From being almost knocked out of the tournament to becoming champions, their journey is one for the history books. Quinton de Kock’s brilliant knock, Boult’s early breakthroughs, and Ugarkar’s nerves of steel were all key to their victory.
Brief Scorecard:
MI New York 180/7 (Quinton de Kock 77; Lockie Ferguson 3-21)
Washington Freedom 175/5 (Rachin Ravindra 70; Boult 2-32, Ugarkar 2-32)
Result: MI New York won by 5 runs.
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