In one of the most thrilling turnarounds in franchise T20 history, MI New York won the MLC Final 2025 by a narrow five-run margin over defending champions Washington Freedom. The final, held at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, was packed with drama, emotion, and moments that redefined cricket in America. This incredible finale capped off MI New York’s fairy-tale comeback after a disastrous start to the season.
MLC Final 2025: Full Match Recap and Player Reactions
MI New York’s road to the MLC Final 2025 was already the stuff of legends. After losing six of their first seven matches, few expected them to even reach the playoffs—let alone win the title. But when it mattered most, the team came together to deliver a high-voltage performance.
Batting first, MI New York posted a competitive total of 180 for 7 in 20 overs, thanks to a sensational knock by Quinton de Kock, who smashed 77 off just 46 balls, laced with six fours and four sixes. He anchored the innings alongside Monank Patel, sharing a 72-run opening stand before Patel fell for 28. Nicholas Pooran added another 56-run partnership with de Kock before a mini-collapse saw MI New York lose five wickets for just 18 runs. Still, a quick 22 off 13 by Kunwarjeet Singh ensured the team ended with a defendable score.
In reply, Washington Freedom lost early wickets, with Trent Boult dismissing Mitchell Owen and Andries Gous in the first over itself. But a steady 84-run stand between Rachin Ravindra (70 off 41) and Jack Edwards (33 off 22) brought them back into the contest. Even after Edwards fell, Ravindra continued the charge until he was dismissed by Rushil Ugarkar, which tilted the momentum back in MI New York’s favor.
The final over was pure edge-of-the-seat entertainment. With 12 runs needed off six balls, 22-year-old Rushil Ugarkar was handed the ball. Despite facing experienced finishers like Glenn Phillips and Glenn Maxwell, Ugarkar held his nerve. Maxwell took a single off the first ball, Phillips followed with another, and then came the pressure shot—Maxwell missed a wild swing. Needing 10 off 3, he tried a slog but was caught by Michael Bracewell at long-on. Obus Pienaar came in but missed his first delivery. With 10 required off the final ball, Ugarkar sealed the deal for MI New York and was rightly named Player of the Match for his clutch final over.
Key Player Performances from MLC Final 2025
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Quinton de Kock (MI New York): 77 (46), 6 fours, 4 sixes
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Rachin Ravindra (Washington Freedom): 70 (41), 8 fours, 2 sixes
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Jack Edwards (Freedom): 33 (22)
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Nicholas Pooran (MI NY): Key middle-order knock, shared 56-run stand with de Kock
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Rushil Ugarkar (MI NY): 2/32 and defended 12 runs in the final over
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Trent Boult (MI NY): 2/32, early breakthroughs
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Lockie Ferguson (Freedom): 3/21, standout bowler for Washington
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Glenn Phillips (Freedom): 48 not out, two sixes off Tristan Luus in 18th over
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Kunwarjeet Singh (MI NY): 22 off 13 in the death overs
Full Match Summary – MLC Final 2025
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MI New York: 180/7 in 20 overs
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Quinton de Kock – 77
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Lockie Ferguson – 3/21
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Washington Freedom: 175/5 in 20 overs
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Rachin Ravindra – 70
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Rushil Ugarkar – 2/32, Trent Boult – 2/32
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Result: MI New York won by 5 runs
Season Award Highlights
| Award | Player / Team |
|---|---|
| Top Run-Scorer | Faf du Plessis – 468 runs |
| Most Sixes | Finn Allen – 35 sixes |
| Most Wickets | Xavier Bartlett – 18 wickets |
| Best Strike Rate (Batsmen) | Shimron Hetmyer – SR ~210 |
| Leading Economy Bowlers | Texas Super Kings (8.6 RPO avg) |
MLC Final 2025 Defines the Rise of US Cricket
The MLC Final 2025 was more than just a cricket match—it was a statement of intent. MI New York’s win against all odds showcased resilience, tactical brilliance, and individual heroics, especially from Rushil Ugarkar and Quinton de Kock. For fans, this final served as the perfect advertisement for cricket in the United States. With the league growing stronger each year, the 2025 season set the bar sky-high for what lies ahead in MLC 2026.