MI New York skipper Nicholas Pooran won the toss and opted to field first against LA Knight Riders (LAKR) in their MLC 2025 clash. LAKR, led by Jason Holder, posted a total of 154/8 in their 20 overs. The highlight of the innings was a fiery knock from Sherfane Rutherford, who smashed 86 runs off just 44 balls, including five boundaries and six massive sixes.
Despite his efforts, the rest of the LAKR batting lineup faltered under pressure from the MI New York bowlers. Veteran pacer Trent Boult stole the show with a brilliant spell, picking up four wickets for just 17 runs in his full quota of four overs.
His tight lines and early breakthroughs pushed LAKR on the back foot right from the start. Boult received ample support from Kieron Pollard, who bagged two crucial wickets in the middle overs.
Ehsan Adil and Nosthush Kenjige also chipped in with a wicket each, keeping the pressure firmly on LAKR and preventing them from building significant partnerships.
Chasing a target of 155, MI New York made light work of the total, cruising to 155/2 in just 17.5 overs. Skipper Nicholas Pooran played a commanding knock, remaining unbeaten on 62, while opener Monank Patel added a solid 58 runs at the top. Their partnership laid the foundation for a comfortable eight-wicket victory.
Despite a brief resistance from LAKR’s bowlers, who managed to dismiss Quinton de Kock and one more batter, it wasn’t enough to defend the modest total.One of the most talked-about moments of the game was the duel between MI New York opener Quinton de Kock and LAKR’s veteran spinner Sunil Narine.
In the third over of the chase, Narine bowled a brilliant sequence that saw two strong LBW appeals turned down by the umpire, both followed by unsuccessful DRS reviews. On the sixth and final ball of the over, Narine bowled a turning delivery outside the off stump, which caught De Kock’s edge and was sharply taken by Jason Holder at first slip, bringing the intense battle to an end.
Third time’s the charm! 🍀 After back-to-back unsuccessful reviews, Sunil Narine finally foxes Quinton de Kock on the third attempt 🎯 pic.twitter.com/9xI4PZtPrU
— Cognizant Major League Cricket (@MLCricket) July 4, 2025
Following this win, MI New York now have two victories and six losses from their eight matches, accumulating four points. However, their chances of qualifying for the playoffs remain slim due to their low placement in the standings. While this victory boosts morale, MINY will need more consistent performances and favorable results in the remaining games to keep any playoff hopes alive.