Texas Super Kings registered a commanding 39-run win over MI New York at the Grand Prairie Stadium, thanks to a brilliant century from skipper Faf du Plessis. This marked his second ton of the Major League Cricket 2025 season, as he powered TSK to a formidable total of 223/4.
Du Plessis’ knock laid a solid foundation for the Yellow Army, leaving MI New York with a steep chase. In response, MI NY tried to shake things up by promoting captain Nicholas Pooran up the order, but the move backfired.
The chase never really gained momentum as Pooran’s early dismissal put pressure on the middle order. Spinner Akeal Hosein delivered a match-winning performance with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for just 15 runs and breaking the back of MI NY’s lineup.
Despite the collapse, Kieron Pollard provided some fireworks, playing a blistering 70-run knock off just 39 balls. His innings, filled with five boundaries and five towering sixes, was the only significant resistance offered by MI NY before he was cleaned up by Nandre Burger in the 19th over.
One of the most talked-about moments in the match came during the 14th over when Pollard, after smashing three consecutive sixes off Noor Ahmad, attempted a fourth. Noor, however, cleverly bowled wide of the stumps to deny the big shot.
Pollard could only manage a grounded shot towards long-off for a single. Fielder Saiteja Mukkamalla was stationed near the boundary and seemed to collect the ball cleanly, but it slipped awkwardly from his hands and rolled toward the ropes.
Though Mukkamalla had time to recover, what followed was bizarre. As he tried to hurl the ball back quickly to prevent extra runs, it slipped out of his hand again and rolled past the boundary, gifting MI NY an unexpected four runs.
The strange sequence of events left everyone stunned — including head coach Albie Morkel in the TSK dugout, and even Pollard, who looked just as confused.
Oh NOOO 🫢 pic.twitter.com/X9FyxbCxSW
— Cognizant Major League Cricket (@MLCricket) June 30, 2025
Despite the unusual blunder, the extra runs had no bearing on the final outcome. Texas Super Kings remained firmly in control throughout the match and wrapped up a comfortable victory. The win was another display of TSK’s strength this season, while MI New York were left to reflect on their inconsistent form and missed opportunities.