After two weeks of gripping cricket, rain delays, and heart-stopping finishes, the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season has reached its climax.
Washington Freedom have already secured their place in Sunday’s final, while MI New York and Texas Super Kings (TSK) are locked in a winner-takes-all battle today (Friday) for the right to challenge them.
The road to this point has been filled with drama and surprises, capped by an electric performance from Trent Boult, whose late heroics propelled MI New York past the San Francisco Unicorns in an unforgettable Eliminator clash.
Washout works in Freedom’s favor
The Qualifier 1 between Washington Freedom and Texas Super Kings, scheduled for Wednesday, July 9, was washed out due to heavy rain in Dallas. The toss had taken place, but persistent showers prevented even a single delivery from being bowled. After nearly three hours of anxious waiting, match officials officially called off the contest at 9:45 PM local time.
Due to the absence of a reserve day and Freedom’s superior group-stage record — they topped the table with 16 points, two clear of TSK — the result meant Washington advanced directly to the final.
“It’s unfortunate the game couldn’t be played, but we earned that top spot and the direct path to the final,” said a Freedom representative. “Now we have a chance to win our first title.”
This marks Freedom’s second consecutive MLC final, and they’ll be eager to capitalize on the opportunity to secure their maiden championship.
Eliminator epic: MI New York edge Unicorns in a thriller
The Eliminator on Thursday night between MI New York (MINY) and San Francisco Unicorns delivered a classic, as the defending champions pulled off a stunning two-wicket win in a match defined by early collapses, late surges, and a pair of clutch sixes from an unlikely hero.
Put into bat, the Unicorns were reeling at 16 for 5 in the powerplay, with Trent Boult and Nosthush Kenjige wreaking havoc on the top order. Boult removed Tim Seifert and Jake Fraser-McGurk, while Kenjige accounted for Matthew Short and Sanjay Krishnamurthi in a withering spell of left-arm spin.
A chaotic runout involving Hassan Khan and a direct hit from Nicholas Pooran deepened the crisis. But then came Xavier Bartlett, smashing a sensational 44 off 24 balls, dragging the Unicorns to a respectable 131 all out with a flurry of sixes and crucial partnerships with the lower order.
MINY stumble, then surge: Boult seals it
After a brief rain delay that didn’t reduce the overs, MINY’s chase started smoothly with Monank Patel and Quinton de Kock putting on 43 for the opening stand. But Matthew Short turned the match on its head with a double strike — trapping de Kock lbw and bowling Pooran through bat and pad.
Monank’s dismissal soon after, followed by the key scalp of Kieron Pollard, left MINY teetering. Hassan Khan then tore through the middle order with two double-wicket overs, reducing MI New York to 98 for 8, still needing 34 runs off 31 balls.
That’s when Trent Boult stepped up — again.
Facing a rampant Hassan, Boult launched two back-to-back sixes in the 18th over to shift the momentum. He smartly farmed the strike and helped narrow the equation to five needed from nine balls. Kenjige finished the job, hitting the winning runs with three balls to spare.
“We never gave up,” said Boult after his all-round heroics. “It was about staying calm and backing ourselves. I’m just glad I could help get us over the line.”
Next stop: The Challenger
With San Francisco now eliminated, MI New York will face Texas Super Kings in the Challenger, set for Friday, July 11, at Grand Prairie Stadium. The winner of that match will advance to face Washington Freedom in the MLC 2025 Final, scheduled for Sunday, July 13 at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT.
Final awaits: Freedom watch as giants clash
Washington Freedom, now well-rested and already acclimated to conditions, await the outcome of today’s do-or-die clash. With their group-stage dominance rewarded by a place in the final, the Freedom will be looking to seize the moment and claim their first MLC title after falling short last year.
Meanwhile, both TSK and MINY — boasting international star power and playoff pedigree — will have to overcome one another before setting their sights on Freedom and the championship trophy.
MLC 2025 final countdown:
- Final Match:
- Washington Freedom vs Winner of MI New York vs Texas Super Kings
- Grand Prairie Stadium, Texas
- Sunday, July 13 | 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT
 season has reached its climax.){kind=link}