Washington Freedom extended their unbeaten run in Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 with a comprehensive eight wicket victory over Los Angeles Knight Riders in Morrisville. Opting to bowl first on a slow pitch, Freedom’s bowlers capitalized on the conditions, restricting Knight Riders to a modest total of 129.
The decision to bowl first proved to be a masterstroke, as the pitch offered just enough assistance to keep the Knight Riders batters in check, leading to a comfortable chase for Freedom.
Saurabh Netravalkar’s bowling masterclass
Saurabh Netravalkar, who had been a standout performer in the recent T20 World Cup, showcased his prowess with a phenomenal spell, returning figures of 4/35. He struck twice in his opening over, removing Sunil Narine with a perfect full length delivery that knocked over his stumps and Unmukt Chand with a short pitched ball.
By the fifth over, Knight Riders were reeling at 18/4, with Jason Roy and Shakib Al Hasan also back in the pavilion. Roy was caught at deep midwicket trying to clear the boundary, while Shakib was bowled through the gate by a beautifully disguised slower ball. Saif Badar attempted to stabilize the innings with a cautious 35, playing some elegant shots and rotating the strike effectively. However, his dismissal – trapped LBW by a skidding delivery from Rachin Ravindra – triggered another collapse.
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Steve Smith’s remarkable catch off Glenn Maxwell’s bowling
Glenn Maxwell then tightened the screws with his accurate off-spin, finishing with figures of 3/15. His spell included the crucial wicket of Andre Russell, who looked dangerous during his brief stay at the crease. Russell, trying to accelerate the scoring, was caught at long-on, failing to clear the boundary. And then, Steve Smith‘s exceptional fielding claimed the wicket of Nitish Kumar.
On the third ball of the eleventh over, Maxwell bowled a delivery pitched on a length at middle stump. Nitish attempted to clear the ropes but failed to achieve the desired elevation. The ball went towards short mid-wicket, where Smith timed his jump perfectly and took a stunning airborne catch.
Here’s the video:
📽️ | An absolute screamer ft. Steve Smith 🤩#MLC2024 #FreedomExpress #LAKRvWF | @MLCricket | @stevesmith49 pic.twitter.com/scmsyW1591
— Washington Freedom (@WSHFreedom) July 14, 2024
Powerful batting seals the win for Washington Freedom
After that Lockie Ferguson added to the pressure with his express pace, taking two wickets in quick succession, ensuring that LAKR folded with eight balls left in their innings.
In the chase, Travis Head and captain Smith provided a solid start, amassing 61 runs in the powerplay. Head was particularly aggressive, scoring 40 off just 23 balls, smashing six sixes in his 32-ball 54. Despite his dismissal, which led to a slight dip in the scoring rate, Smith anchored the innings with an unbeaten 42. His composed knock ensured that Freedom chased down the target comfortably, with eight wickets and four overs to spare, maintaining their perfect start to the season.
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