MLC 2024 Final: Washington Freedom (WAF) defeated San Francisco Unicorns (SFU) by a whopping margin of 96 runs to clinch the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 final on July 29 (as per the Indian standard time) at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.. Under the leadership of Steve Smith, Washington Freedom won their maiden MLC title. Captain Smith was the man who saved the day for Washington with help of Australian compatriot Glenn Maxwell after they faced an early trouble in the first innings of the match.l
San Francisco Unicorns' captain, Corey Anderson, won the toss and chose to bowl first, putting WAF into bat. The Freedom lost Travis Head early, but Steve Smith remained steady and delivered a game-changing innings.
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Smith's Game Changing Innings Leads WAF To Maiden MLC Trophy
The Washington Freedom's captain scored 88 runs off 52 balls, anchoring the innings from one end. He was well-supported by Glenn Maxwell, who added a brisk 40 off 22 balls. Thanks to their impactful performances, the Freedom set a formidable total of 207/5 in their 20 overs.
The San Francisco Unicorns relied on their opening pair, Finn Allen and Jake Fraser-McGurk, to chase down the massive target. However, the Freedom bowlers struck early and maintained pressure throughout the innings. Steve Smith used his bowlers strategically which led them to take wickets consistently , making the final a one-sided contest. In the end, the Unicorns were dismissed for just 111 runs in 16 overs, losing the MLC 2024 final by 96 runs.
Marco Jansen and Rachin Ravindra excelled with the ball for the Freedom, each claiming three wickets. Their crucial performances played a key role in dismantling the Unicorns' batting lineup.
Steve Smith Wins Man Of The Match Award
Steve Smith won the Man of the Match award for his match-winning innings of 88 runs. Smith comlimented Washington team's inclusive atmosphere and how everyone chipped in with efforts when they were needed.
"Nice to contribute, been a really good season. We have a really good bunch, had plenty of good times off the field. We just talked about trusting the process, just playing the game and not getting overawed by the moment. Really pleased for the boys. Some guys don't get a game but they are surely part of the squad, and we try to make them feel included. Everyone in this group has been outstanding. Everyone stood up at different times, our batting was pretty strong and Marco maybe didn't get to bat throughout the tournament. On the batting front, Travis was spectacular and he rightly won Player of the Tournament. With our bowling, I thought Netravalkar was outstanding and Lockie who missed today due to injury was outstanding as well. Everyone stood up for us."