The annual MLC 2024 tournament saw many nail-biting matches and dramatic comebacks. This all builds up to the final, where the Washington Freedom showcased their dominance in power-hitting and unquestionable bowling. They thrashed the San Francisco Unicorns in the final at Grand Prairie Stadium by 96 runs to clinch this season’s championship. The match was conducted on Sunday, which gave the winners a stronghold mainly because of Smith and Glenn Maxwell. They set up the stage for a target of 208. In this effort, the losing side, despite their efforts, lacked the essence of the quality and were unable to keep up.
Unicorn’s struggles against bowlers
In aggressive anticipation for a perfect beginning, the San Francisco Unicorns appeared to be on the defensive right from the onset. Early exclusion of Jake Fraser-McGurk out in the third over started the avalanche of pins, while Marco Jansen got Finn Allen out when the latter was looking good after scoring a hundred in the qualifiers. When the scoreline read 30/3, the Unicorns were already in trouble.
Their troubles worsened when the middle order also fell cheaply. Sherfane Rutherford (4) and Josh Inglis (18) went early, which ended the chances of a fightback. Andrew Tye, who was added to the squad for the final, played an important role in taking two wickets and thus establishing a stronger hold on the Unicorns. The bowler Rachin Ravindra performed brilliantly against the lower order of batsmen for the winners, getting an outstanding bowling analysis of 3/23.
Smith and Maxwell shine in Washington Freedom’s innings
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Earlier in the match, the Washington Freedom had the setback of having Head (9) get sent to the dressing room. However, it was Waugh who came to the party and scored 88 off 52 balls in one of the best innings seen on the cricket grounds. His knock was full of seven fours and six sixes, which depicts how well he is handling himself under lots of pressure. The foundation of the total constructed by Freedom was laid by Smith through his innings. Andries Gous added 21 runs in 14 balls to the total, with Smith showing that the team had a good partnership before Gous and Rachin Ravindra both departed without much contribution with only 11 runs to their name.
Final result
Nevertheless, more problems followed Smith as he chased. However, at the same time, he succeeded in raising the pressure on the Unicorns by getting to the boundary comfortably. Smith was also getting along well with Maxwell, and the two took Washington Freedom to a very strong total. Maxwell bailed Afridi’s team through his outrageous batting as he scored 40 runs off 22 balls. This culminated in one four and four sixes.
Their most noteworthy occurrence was an over in which Peter Drysdale was sent to the woods for as many as 28 owes. This was due to the attacking prowess of Smith and Maxwell. It can be attributed to their liaison that a record total for a final was achieved. At some point, Smith left the pitch and was replaced by Maxwell, who was dismissed soon after that; Mukhtar Ahmed (19*) then provided a quick knock. By the last ball of the over and his strong blows, the total went past 200 to reach 208, a record for a final.
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