In a contest that had all the ingredients of a T20 classic — tight bowling, blazing stroke play, nervy moments, and an electric last-over finish — MI New York to 2nd MLC Crown became a reality, thanks to a composed final over by an unheralded 22-year-old medium pacer, Rushil Ugarkar. The final, played against Washington Freedom, saw MI New York edge their way to a second Major League Cricket title with a heart-stopping 5-run victory.
De Kock’s Brilliance Sets the Stage
Earlier in the game, Freedom captain Glenn Maxwell won the toss and elected to field, a decision that initially seemed to benefit MI New York. The dynamic opening duo of Quinton de Kock and Monank Patel provided a flying start. De Kock, in particular, looked in sublime touch, smashing 77 runs off 46 deliveries. His innings was studded with bold strokes, perfectly placed boundaries, and aggressive intent that dictated the flow of the innings.
The 72-run opening stand with Monank Patel came off just 44 balls, laying a solid foundation for a competitive total. After Monank’s departure, de Kock continued the assault in the company of Nicholas Pooran, adding another 56 runs in a brisk 35-ball partnership. Pooran chipped in with 21 off 17, but de Kock was the main force before falling in the 17th over.
After de Kock’s dismissal, Washington Freedom found a way back into the game through Lockie Ferguson, who ended with impressive figures of 3 for 21. Kunwarjeet Singh’s late 22* off 13 ensured MI New York finished at 180 for 7 — a total that looked par, but certainly defendable.
Early Jolts for Freedom
Defending 180 in a high-stakes final isn’t easy, but MI New York to 2nd MLC Crown campaign got a dream start thanks to Trent Boult. The left-arm pace spearhead struck twice in the very first over, dismissing key batters and denting Freedom’s chase from the outset.
Despite the early wickets, Rachin Ravindra held firm. The New Zealand star, who had struggled throughout the MLC 2025 season, rose to the occasion with a spectacular 70 off 41 balls. With eight boundaries and two sixes, Ravindra’s innings brought stability and momentum to Freedom’s innings. Partnering with Jack Edwards, who scored a rapid 33 off 22, the pair added 84 runs in just 45 balls to resurrect the chase.
Phillips Sparks Hope, Then Runs Out of Time
Even though Ravindra and Edwards brought Freedom back in the game, the innings stalled post their dismissals. Glenn Phillips and Maxwell took over, but their partnership lacked the required acceleration. The duo added only 46 runs off 42 balls — a pace that did not help the required rate.
Phillips, however, refused to give up. After being 25 off 27 at the end of the 17th over, he turned the game on its head. He targeted Tristan Luus and Boult in successive overs, hammering two sixes in the 18th over and another in the 19th. Those two overs went for 17 and 12 runs, respectively — enough to swing momentum Freedom’s way heading into the last six balls.
It was here that the storyline of MI New York to 2nd MLC Crown took its most dramatic turn.
Ugarkar’s Moment of Glory
With 12 needed off the last over and the duo of Phillips and Maxwell at the crease, Freedom were favorites. But standing between them and the title was Rushil Ugarkar — a relatively unknown USA medium pacer without international experience.
Bowling to Maxwell first, Ugarkar delivered a slower off-cutter that foxed the Aussie star. The ball took Maxwell’s edge and ended his innings, instantly flipping the pressure back onto Washington Freedom. With only one ball faced by Phillips in the over, Ugarkar skillfully used cutters and tight line to stifle the batters. He conceded just six runs in the final over, clinching a memorable victory and sealing MI New York to 2nd MLC Crown.
The celebrations were wild. The MI New York dugout erupted, lifting Ugarkar on their shoulders as fans and teammates celebrated the thrilling finish. Against all odds, the calm-headed 22-year-old delivered under immense pressure, proving once again how T20 cricket’s charm lies in its unpredictability.
Freedom’s Missed Opportunities
Despite coming agonizingly close, Washington Freedom were left ruing several missed opportunities. While Ravindra’s 70 was a strong effort and Phillips’ unbeaten 48 off 34 nearly won them the game, the team’s inability to maintain momentum between the 10th and 18th overs proved costly.
Maxwell’s struggles with the bat, apart from a century earlier in the tournament, continued in the final. His inability to accelerate in the middle overs and a failure to rotate the strike gave MI New York just enough breathing space.
Moreover, the partnership between Ravindra and Phillips, which yielded 46 runs in 42 balls, lacked urgency. In a game where every ball mattered, those quiet overs might have been the difference between victory and defeat.
Boult and Company Deliver for MINY
Apart from Ugarkar’s brilliance, the experience of Trent Boult also played a key role in securing MI New York to 2nd MLC Crown. Boult’s two wickets in the opening over set the tone for the innings. Despite being taken for runs later in the game, his early breakthroughs proved critical.
Tajinder Singh also chipped in with three economical overs, conceding only 18 runs. The bowling unit executed their roles with precision, holding their nerve when it mattered the most.
Batting Depth and Experience Pay Off
Another major reason behind MI New York to 2nd MLC Crown was their superior batting depth and experience. With players like de Kock, Monank, Pooran, and Tim David in the lineup, MI New York had an edge in power hitting and temperament in pressure games.
Monank Patel, the tournament’s top run-scorer, gave yet another solid performance, and even though he wasn’t the standout in the final, his consistency throughout the league paved the path to the final.
De Kock’s innings was the standout knock of the match and one that provided the cushion needed to fend off Freedom’s late charge. His aggressive mindset early on pushed the total to a challenging level, which ultimately proved just out of reach for the opponents.
MI New York to 2nd MLC Crown: A Statement of Dominance
With this victory, MI New York to 2nd MLC Crown cements their status as a T20 powerhouse. Their ability to identify talent like Ugarkar, trust experienced heads like Boult and de Kock, and rely on depth in both batting and bowling departments has made them one of the most well-rounded teams in MLC.
This win isn’t just about a trophy — it’s a testimony to their strategic planning, execution under pressure, and belief in homegrown players. From the first match to the final ball, their campaign reflected resilience, professionalism, and champion spirit.
Conclusion
In the end, MI New York to 2nd MLC Crown wasn’t merely about runs scored or wickets taken. It was about holding nerve in key moments, trusting unknown talent in big situations, and overcoming white-ball superstars with courage and calm.
Rushil Ugarkar’s name may not have been well-known before this final, but his last over has already etched him into MLC folklore. MI New York’s second title will be remembered not just for the silverware, but for the spirit, thrill, and drama that makes cricket such a beloved sport.
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