MLC Match 17: Washington Freedom triumph with strong openers and bowlers against Texas Super Kings

Washington Freedom triumph with strong openers and bowlers against Texas Super Kings

©MLC

Washington Freedom continued their winning streak, securing a 42-run victory over the Texas Super Kings to remain at the top of the 2024 Cognizant Major League Cricket points table.

Match Summary

Texas Super Kings 164/10 (19.5 ov)

Washington Freedom 206/5 (20 ov)

Washington Freedom won by 42 runs.

SCORECARD  

Match Analysis 

The Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas witnessed a dominant performance, as Rachin Ravindra’s four wickets bowled out the Texan team for 164 runs. However, led by Faf du Plessis’ quickfire half-century – the fastest by a batter this season -- the Texas Super Kings had a strong start to their run-chase.

Du Plessis propelled his team to 76 runs in the powerplay. However, Washington's bowlers executed a brilliant comeback in the middle overs. Jasdeep Singh, Glenn Maxwell, and Ravindra shared the 10 wickets among them, but it was Lockie Ferguson's crucial over to Du Plessis after the powerplay that turned the tide. Lockie conceded only 2 wides in that over, eventually leading to Faf's dismissal.

Soon after, the Super Kings' batting lineup crumbled, losing 4 wickets for just 15 runs between overs 7.1 and 11.6, ultimately costing them the match. While Calvin Savage managed to strike a few powerful blows towards the end, it only served to narrow the margin of defeat.

Earlier in the clash, Washington Freedom posted a formidable target of 206 for the Texas Super Kings. The fireworks began early with Travis Head delivering a scintillating performance in the powerplay. He hammered 53 runs off just 22 balls, dismantling the seamers with ease and giving Washington a flying start.

As spin was introduced, the scoring rate slowed slightly, thanks to some purchase on the used pitch. However, Maxwell played a pivotal role in maintaining the momentum, contributing crucial runs in the middle overs. Towards the tail end of the innings, Pienaar provided a valuable boost, ensuring a strong finish for the team.

Meanwhile, Steve Smith (57) also continued his consistent performances, nearly batting through the entire innings and securing a well-earned fifty. His steady presence at the crease anchored the Washington innings and kept the scoreboard ticking.

The start given by the two Australian batters was more than enough for the middle order of the Washington-based side to take on the rest of the bowlers. Maxwell (34) and Obus Pienaar (33) both scored crucial runs to ensure their team put up a tough target that the Texas Super Kings were eventually unable to chase down.

Match Stats

Texas Super Kings Fall of wickets: 1-59 (Travis Head - 4.3 ov), 2-74 (Andries Gous - 5.6 ov), 3-79 (Rachin Ravindra - 6.5 ov), 4-137 (Glenn Maxwell - 13.5 ov), 5-186 (Steven Smith - 18.5 ov)

Washington Freedom Fall of wickets: 1-37 (Devon Conway - 3.3 ov), 2-90 (Aaron Hardie - 7.1 ov), 3-96 (Joshua Tromp - 9.4 ov), 4-98 (Faf du Plessis - 10.5 ov), 5-105 (Milind Kumar - 11.6 ov), 6-132 (Marcus Stoinis - 14.6 ov), 7-141 (Dwayne Bravo - 15.5 ov), 8-161 (Mohammad Mohsin - 17.5 ov), 9-163 (Noor Ahmad - 19.3 ov), 10-164 (Calvin Savage - 19.5 ov)

Playing XI

Texas Super Kings 

• Devon Conway(WK)
• Faf du Plessis(C)
• Aaron Hardie
• Joshua Tromp
• Milind Kumar
• Marcus Stoinis
• Calvin Savage
• Dwayne Bravo
• Mohammad Mohsin
• Noor Ahmad
• Zia-ul-Haq

Washington Freedom 

• Steven Smith(C)
• Travis Head
• Rachin Ravindra
• Glenn Maxwell
• Andries Gous(WK)
• Obus Pienaar
• Mukhtar Ahmed
• Marco Jansen
• Amila Aponso
• Lockie Ferguson
• Jasdeep Singh

Match Details:

Date: Saturday, July 20, 2024 01:30

Venue: Grand Prairie Stadium, Texas

Toss: Texas Super Kings elected to bowl