Washington Freedom (WSF) registered their third victory of the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 season by defeating MI New York (MI NY) by two wickets. With this win, WSF climbed to third place on the points table with six points, while MI NY remain in fourth with two points.
WSF’s Mitchell Owen delivered an impressive all-round performance that earned him the Player of the Match award. He scored a blistering 60 off just 26 balls at a strike rate of 230.76 during the run chase. Earlier, with the ball, he returned figures of 1/29 and dismissed MI NY opener Monak Patel for 32 (20). He also played a key role in the field, taking two crucial catches—removing Quinton de Kock (55 off 34) and Nicholas Pooran (33 off 30). Michael Bracewell also contributed with an unbeaten 42 off 24 for MI NY in the first innings.
Chasing a target of 189, WSF made it look comfortable. Opener Owen dominated the powerplay to set the tone, while Mark Chapman (45* off 32) and Jack Edwards (30 off 23) maintained the momentum. Skipper Glenn Maxwell chipped in with a quickfire 16 off just 5 balls, striking at 320.00, to seal the win.
“Just the coaching staff backing me to do what I have been doing” – Owen
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Owen reflected on his performance and strategy:
“Pretty simple. Pretty similar to every game – trying to get us off to a good start and take the pressure off the middle order. Ideally wanted to bat through but sometimes, it does not happen. It was a nice wicket, a very nice wicket. Both powerplays were even.”
He also shared insights about the pitch and his role with the ball: “A little two-paced when you took pace off, but very flat (in general). No discussion at half-way – just the coaching staff backing me to do what I have been doing. It is going alright as well. Ready at any stage and whenever the skipper wants me to bowl, I am ready to go. We unfortunately had a couple of bowling injuries, just happy to be another set of hands in the field and with the ball.”
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