Rushil Ugarkar shines under pressure to give MI New York a stunning last-over victory against Washington Freedom, securing their second Major League Cricket title.
🎯 A Nail-Biting Finish: MI New York vs Washington Freedom
Cricket fans in the USA and worldwide were treated to a pulsating finale as MI New York (MINY) clinched their second Major League Cricket (MLC) title, defeating Washington Freedom in a breathtaking last-over showdown. The match, played at a packed stadium with fans on edge, showcased everything T20 cricket promises — big hits, smart bowling, shifting momentum, and heroes rising under pressure.
At the center of it all stood 22-year-old Rushil Ugarkar, a relatively unknown USA medium pacer, who etched his name into MLC folklore by holding his nerve against two of the world’s most explosive white-ball stars: Glenn Maxwell and Glenn Phillips.
🏏 How the Final Over Drama Unfolded
Last-Over Equation: 12 Needed From 6 Balls
Freedom needed 12 runs from the last over with 6 wickets down — a situation that often favors the batting side in modern T20 cricket. With Glenn Phillips well set and Maxwell at the crease, Washington Freedom seemed favorites to seal the win and their own second MLC title.
But Ugarkar, showing nerves of steel that belied his years and experience, executed a masterclass in death bowling.
- First ball: Dot, as Ugarkar nailed a clever offcutter.
- Second ball: Maxwell tried to clear the ropes but was deceived by another slower ball, holing out and handing MINY a massive breakthrough. 💥
- Third & fourth balls: Phillips could only scramble singles.
- Fifth ball: Another single, thanks to pinpoint bowling.
- Sixth ball: Just one run, sparking joyous celebrations as MINY players rushed in.
Incredibly, Ugarkar conceded only 6 runs in the over, sealing a famous victory. It was a display of calm under fire that would make even seasoned international bowlers proud.
🔬 The Turning Point: Phillips’ Late Surge That Nearly Won It
Freedom’s Fightback Led By Phillips & Ravindra
Before that final over, Washington Freedom had clawed their way back into the game largely thanks to Glenn Phillips, who transformed the chase in the 18th and 19th overs.
- At the end of the 17th over, Freedom needed more than 13 runs an over. Phillips was batting on a scratchy 25 from 27 balls.
- Then he exploded, taking Tristan Luus for two towering sixes in an 18-run over.
- He followed that up by smashing Trent Boult for another six in a 12-run 19th over.
The momentum had dramatically shifted, setting up a last-over finish that promised heartbreak for one side. But the script changed dramatically thanks to Ugarkar’s cunning cutters.
🌟 MI New York’s First Innings: De Kock & Patel Set The Tone
Earlier in the day, after Freedom captain Glenn Maxwell won the toss and opted to field, MI New York made a statement right away.
- Quinton de Kock and Monank Patel (the tournament’s top run-scorer) raced to 72 in just 44 balls, dismantling the new ball attack.
- De Kock in particular was in sublime touch, taking the aerial route often, finding gaps effortlessly, and keeping the scoreboard racing.
Pooran & Kunwarjeet’s Cameos
After Patel’s dismissal, Nicholas Pooran added crucial runs in a 56-run stand off 35 balls with de Kock. Even when de Kock fell for a superb 77 off 46 balls in the 17th over, MINY found late impetus through Kunwarjeet Singh’s unbeaten 22 off 13 balls, helping them finish with a total that always looked competitive.
📝 Freedom’s Reply: Ravindra Stands Tall But Middle Overs Hurt
Boult’s Early Double Strike
The chase began disastrously for Washington Freedom as Boult picked up two wickets in the first over, immediately pushing them on the back foot.
Ravindra’s Best of the Tournament
Yet Rachin Ravindra, who’d had a quiet MLC 2025 until now, rose to the occasion beautifully:
- He struck 70 from 41 balls, peppering the boundary rope with 2 sixes and 8 fours, striking at 170+.
- His partnership of 84 off 45 balls with Jack Edwards (33 off 22) rebuilt the innings and put Freedom back in the hunt.
But after Edwards departed, the next stand between Ravindra and Phillips was 46 off 42 balls — a patch where the run-rate slowed and the required rate crept up dangerously. This ultimately forced Phillips to take big risks later, setting up the thrilling finish.
🔍 Where Was The Match Lost?
Despite the fireworks from Phillips and Ravindra:
- Freedom perhaps let the game slip in overs 12 to 17, where MI New York bowlers bowled tight lines and clever variations.
- Tajinder Singh’s spell of 3 overs for just 18 runs proved incredibly valuable, while Ugarkar himself went at under 8 an over before his final over heroics.
It highlighted how even in T20s, middle overs control is just as critical as death-over execution.
🏅 Player of the Match: Rushil Ugarkar
In a final full of international stars, it was young Rushil Ugarkar — a USA domestic player yet to play internationally — who stole the spotlight.
- He showed remarkable clarity and skill, bowling six smart cutters under immense pressure.
- More importantly, he showcased the kind of composure that speaks of a bright future for American cricket.
🗣️ Bigger Picture: What This Means For MLC & Cricket in the USA
A Showcase for Homegrown Talent 🇺🇸
Ugarkar’s performance is precisely the sort of moment Major League Cricket hopes for — local players stepping up on the biggest stage, underlining the league’s goal of growing cricketing depth in the USA.
Boost to MLC’s Popularity
This nail-biting final will be replayed countless times on social media and sports networks, providing:
- A massive boost to MLC’s brand value.
- Greater interest among American kids to pick up the bat and ball.
- More investors and sponsors likely to pour money into the league.
🚀 Conclusion: MI New York, Kings of American T20 Cricket 👑
With this victory, MI New York have firmly established themselves as the dominant force in Major League Cricket, lifting their second title in just a few seasons.
As fireworks lit up the night sky and fans in the stands danced to music blasting over the speakers, one image stood out — Ugarkar being lifted by his teammates, grinning from ear to ear. It’s a moment that embodies everything great about sport: courage, opportunity, and the joy of surprising the world.
🔎 Quick Recap for Fans
✅ Result: MI New York beat Washington Freedom by 5 runs (approx.)
✅ Key Performers: Quinton de Kock (77), Rachin Ravindra (70), Glenn Phillips (late 40s), Rushil Ugarkar (match-winning final over)
✅ Impact: MI New York secure their second MLC title, Ugarkar emerges as a new USA cricket hero.
