MLC 2025: Washington Freedom Snatch Last-Ball Win, Surging Towards Playoff Berth

The Washington Freedom pulled off a nail-biting five-wicket victory against the LA Knight Riders in Dallas, successfully chasing down a target of 214 on the very last ball. This dramatic win significantly strengthens their chances of qualifying for the playoffs in MLC 2025.

Glenn Phillips and Obus Pienaar steered the Freedom to victory in a dramatic finish. A dropped catch by Holder at mid-on off the final delivery, which would have secured the game for the Knight Riders, proved to be the turning point.

Earlier in the day, the Knight Riders set a challenging target, posting a total of 213/4 in their allotted 20 overs. Andre Fletcher's blistering century was the highlight of their innings. Fletcher, who came into the lineup replacing Alex Hales, smashed 104 runs off just 60 deliveries, including seven boundaries and six towering sixes.

Fletcher forged a formidable opening partnership with Unmukt Chand, who contributed a solid 41 runs off 30 balls. Together, they amassed 130 runs in just 74 balls, providing a strong foundation for a high score. The Knight Riders' innings maintained momentum with quick contributions from Sherfane Rutherford (20 off 11), Jason Holder (11 off 6), and Andre Russell (30 not out off 13). The team managed to score 59 runs in the final five overs, with Fletcher strategically retired out with two overs remaining.

The Freedom's chase got off to a blazing start, with Mitchell Owen leading the charge. Owen smashed 43 runs off a mere 16 balls, hitting multiple boundaries off Ali Khan and Holder, propelling the team to 73/1 in the powerplay.

In the middle overs, Glenn Maxwell (42 off 23) and Andreas Gous kept the Freedom ahead of the required run rate. However, the Knight Riders fought back, with Holder and Tanveer Sangha taking crucial wickets to put pressure on the batting side.

Phillips and Pienaar then joined forces with the Freedom needing 60 runs from the last six overs. The duo managed the chase effectively, taking calculated risks and keeping the required scoring rate in check.

The match went down to the wire, with the Freedom needing seven runs off the final over. Russell bowled exceptionally well, but despite conceding a wide and a boundary early in the over, he took the game to the very last ball.

In a dramatic climax, Holder failed to hold onto a catch at mid-on off the final delivery, allowing Phillips and Pienaar to scramble the winning run. This victory propelled the Freedom to second place in the league standings, overtaking the Texas Super Kings.

Brief Scores:

LA Knight Riders 213/4 in 20 overs (Andre Fletcher 104, Unmukt Chand 41; Ian Holland 2-25) lost to Washington Freedom 214/5 in 20 overs (Mitchell Owen 43, Glenn Maxwell 42, Glenn Phillips 33*; Tanveer Sangha 2-35) by 5 wickets.