In a pulsating showdown under the lights at Grand Prairie Stadium on Sunday night, MI New York staged a remarkable resurgence to snatch the Major League Cricket 2025 championship, defeating reigning champions Washington Freedom by five runs in a final that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last delivery.
What began as a season of despair — with six losses in their first seven games — ended in jubilant triumph for the franchise, whose resurgence was capped by a nerve-shredding last over bowled by 22-year-old American pacer Rushil Ugarkar. With 12 runs to defend and Glenn Maxwell and Glenn Phillips at the crease, the odds seemed firmly in Washington’s favor. But Ugarkar held his nerve like a seasoned veteran, delivering precise lines under immense pressure to secure the crown for MI New York.
“It’s unreal. To do it against a team like Washington with the game in the balance — I’m just glad I could do my job,” said Ugarkar after his defining performance.
Quinton de Kock sets the tone
Earlier in the evening, MI New York were sent in to bat and posted a competitive 180 for 7 in their 20 overs, thanks to a commanding 77 off 46 balls from Quinton de Kock. The South African wicketkeeper-batsman anchored the innings after Monank Patel’s brisk 28, dominating the Powerplay with authority and flair.
Just as MI New York looked poised to launch a final onslaught at 148/3, a sudden collapse ensued. Lockie Ferguson, the standout bowler for Washington, triggered the slide with his 3 for 21, reducing MI New York to 166/7 in a flash. However, Kunwarjeet Singh’s vital 22 not out off 13 deliveries at the death pushed the total to a defendable 180 — a tally that would prove just enough.
Ravindra’s counterattack revives Freedom’s chase
In reply, Washington Freedom’s chase began in chaos. The in-form Trent Boult struck twice in the opening over, removing both Mitchell Owen and Andries Gous without scoring — a dream start for MI New York.
But Rachin Ravindra, ever the fighter, launched a ferocious counterattack. His 70 off 41 balls, laced with exquisite timing and power, steadied the ship. Partnering with Jack Edwards (33 off 22), Ravindra stitched together a momentum-shifting 84-run partnership. Washington seemed well on track until Ugarkar and Nosthush Kenjige intervened.
Wickets began to tumble, and with Washington needing 12 off the final over, Ugarkar delivered the most significant six balls of his young career.
A turnaround for the ages
MI New York’s road to the title was nothing short of miraculous. After a dismal start to their campaign, they clawed their way back into contention with a string of must-win victories.
With Washington Freedom and Texas Super Kings earning the top two spots in the league stage, Washington booked their place directly in the final after rain washed out the Qualifier. MI New York, who had finished lower, faced a steeper climb. They defeated San Francisco Unicorns in the Eliminator, then upset Texas in the Challenger to earn their shot at the title.
Having lifted the inaugural MLC trophy in 2023, MI New York now becomes the first team to win the tournament twice in its three-year history. Washington Freedom, champions in 2024, fell just short in their title defense.
“This is a special team. To come back from where we were, and to beat the defending champs in a final like this — it speaks to our character,” said MI New York ex-captain Kieron Pollard.
A growing American cricket powerhouse
The MLC 2025 season marked a significant leap forward for American cricket, with the tournament expanding to 34 matches and continuing to attract global talent and local heroes alike. Since being granted List-A status by the ICC in 2024, Major League Cricket has fast become a breeding ground for American talent, as evidenced by Rushil Ugarkar’s match-winning display.
As the curtain falls on another thrilling edition of the MLC, one thing is clear: American cricket is not just growing — it is thriving.
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