Everything you should know about MLC 2024 Challenger

The excitement is building as the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 season approaches its climax. This Saturday, July 27, the MLC 2024 Challenger match between the Texas Super Kings and the San Francisco Unicorns will determine who faces the Washington Freedom in the final. Here’s everything you need to know about this crucial match.

Match Details

Event: MLC 2024 Challenger
Date: Saturday, July 27, 2024
Venue: Dallas
Time: 5:30 AM PST / 12:30 AM GMT / 7:30 PM Local Time

How They Got Here

Texas Super Kings:

Eliminator Result: The Texas Super Kings triumphed over MI New York in the Eliminator match on Thursday, July 25, with a dominant nine-wicket victory. Chasing a target of 164, Texas Super Kings reached 167/1 in 18.3 overs. This victory set the stage for their Challenger clash.

San Francisco Unicorns:

Qualifier Result: San Francisco Unicorns faced off against Washington Freedom in the Qualifier match on Friday, July 26. Despite a valiant effort, they were defeated by seven wickets. San Francisco posted 145 runs in 19 overs, but Washington Freedom chased it down comfortably in 15.3 overs, scoring 149/3.

Streaming Details: How to Watch MLC 2024 Challenger Live

Here’s where you can catch all the MLC 2024 Challenger live action:

USA: Willow by Cricbuzz, YES Network, and more regional sports networks (RSNs) to be announced.
Canada: Willow by Cricbuzz.
Australia and New Zealand: Prime Video.
Middle East and North Africa: Cricbuzz.
Pakistan: A Sports.
Sub-Saharan Africa: ESPN.
UK and Ireland: TNT Sports.

It should be noted that Washington Freedom are already in the final as they defeated San Francisco Unicorns in the Qualifier. It leaves the Unicorns with one more chance to prove their mettle. Here is MLC 2024 Qualifier report.

MLC 2024 Qualifier Report

In a thrilling Qualifier match of the Major League Cricket held in Dallas on July 25, 2024, Washington Freedom secured a dominant seven-wicket victory over the San Francisco Unicorns. This win, achieved with 27 balls to spare, propels Washington into a strong position in the tournament.

San Francisco Unicorns batted first, posting a total of 145 runs in 19 overs. Their innings was marked by early losses, with Finn Allen falling for 6 in just the third ball of the match, caught by Gous off Jansen. The Unicorns struggled to build partnerships, losing wickets at regular intervals. Hassan Khan emerged as the standout performer with a blistering 57 off 36 balls, including six sixes, while Corey Anderson added a vital 26 off 19 balls. However, these efforts were overshadowed by Washington’s disciplined bowling attack.

Rachin Ravindra was the pick of the bowlers for Washington, claiming four wickets for just 11 runs in his 2.4 overs. Marco Jansen supported him well with figures of 3 for 46, despite being a bit expensive. Saurabh Netravalkar also chipped in with two crucial wickets for 23 runs.

Chasing a target of 146, Washington Freedom’s innings got off to a shaky start with captain Steven Smith falling for just 1 run, caught behind off Pat Cummins. However, Travis Head took charge and delivered a masterful unbeaten 77 off 44 balls, featuring ten fours and three sixes. His aggressive batting was complemented by Glenn Maxwell, who smashed 54 not out off 23 balls, including four fours and five sixes, propelling Washington to victory.

San Francisco’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Carmi le Roux and Haris Rauf conceding runs at over ten per over. Hassan Khan was the only bowler to make an impact, taking two wickets for 32 runs in his four overs.

Travis Head was rightfully named Player of the Match for his stellar performance. His commanding innings not only anchored the chase but also ensured Washington’s smooth passage to victory, showcasing his class and composure under pressure.