Sun Jun 22 02:40:00 UTC 2025: **Washington Freedom Edge Out MI New York in Thrilling MLC Clash**

**Dallas [US], June 22 (ANI)** – The Washington Freedom secured a nail-biting victory over MI New York (MINY) in their Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 encounter on Saturday, surviving a late-innings wobble to chase down a target of 189.

A blistering start from Mitchell Owen, who smashed 60 off just 26 balls, initially put the Freedom in a commanding position. Owen’s aggressive hitting, including five boundaries and five sixes, saw Washington race to 74/2 within the powerplay.

However, Owen’s dismissal in the eighth over sparked a slowdown. The scoring rate dipped significantly as Mark Chapman and Jack Edwards struggled to maintain the required tempo. While Chapman anchored the innings, wickets continued to fall around him. Sunny Patel and Naveen-ul-Haq led a spirited fightback from MINY, applying pressure through the middle overs.

The tension peaked during the death overs. Trent Boult’s economical 18th over, conceding just one run and claiming a wicket, threatened to swing the game in MINY’s favour. However, a costly 19th over from Rushil Ugarkar allowed Chapman and the Freedom to regain control. Despite Kieron Pollard bowling the final over, the Freedom held their nerve to complete the chase and register their third win of the season.

Earlier, MI New York got off to a strong start after being put into bat, courtesy of Quinton de Kock (55 off 34) and Monank Patel, reaching 70 in the powerplay. However, the innings lost momentum after Owen struck with the ball, dismissing Patel. Nicholas Pooran’s sluggish 33 off 30 further hampered the scoring rate. A late surge from Michael Bracewell, who scored an unbeaten 42 off 24, helped MINY post a competitive total of 188.

In the end, the Freedom’s strong powerplay and Chapman’s composed finish proved decisive. Washington’s six points from four matches places them third in the table, tied with Texas Super Kings but behind on net run-rate. MI New York, with only one win from four games, are currently fourth.

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