MI New York (MI NY) have stormed into the MLC 2025 Final, defeating Texas Super Kings (TSK) by seven wickets in Qualifier 2, thanks to a powerful unbeaten partnership between Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard, who was named Player of the Match.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, MI NY made early inroads through Tristan Luus (3/35) and Rushil Ugarkar (2/31), who dismantled the TSK top-order. The duo removed Smit Patel (9), Saiteja Mukkamalla (1), Shubham Ranjane (1), and the dangerous Marcus Stoinis (6) cheaply, leaving TSK in trouble early.
However, TSK skipper Faf du Plessis led the recovery with a composed 59 off 42 balls, before Akeal Hosein (55* off 32) and Donovan Ferreira (32* off 20) added an unbeaten partnership that lifted their side to a respectable 166/5.
MI NY’s chase began on a shaky note as Quinton de Kock departed early for 6. But Monank Patel anchored the innings with a steady 49 off 39 balls, setting the platform for the chase.
It was the explosive partnership between Nicholas Pooran (52* off 36) and Kieron Pollard (47* off 22) that changed the course of the game. Their unbeaten 89-run stand guided MI NY home with an over to spare, sealing their place in the MLC 2025 Final.
“Intent from the First Ball” – Pollard
Speaking after the win, Pollard reflected on the strategic match-ups and praised the calm approach of his batting partner Pooran. “I think intent from the first ball. Noor [Ahmad] knew they were keeping him for me as a match-up. It was just a matter of, ‘I’m here.’ Having Nicky at the end, anchoring through, wanting to stay till the end—it’s about backing yourself and understanding what is needed. Once it’s in my area, I’ll take it,” Pollard said.
He also praised the pitch and noted the improved conditions compared to their previous game. “Thought it was a really good wicket compared to the one we played on in the quarter-final. We found ourselves in a spot of bother.”
Pollard further highlighted how he tackled TSK pacer Adam Milne, who bowled with serious pace. “It was about understanding the match-ups and what was needed. There were a couple of overs they did well. Adam was up there in the 90s [mph]. We wanted to stay there and knock the singles, then go for the boundaries late,” he concluded.
Now in the final, MI NY will take on Washington Freedom on 13 July.
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