Washington Freedom secured their third consecutive victory in the 2024 Major League Cricket (MLC) by defeating Los Angeles Knight Riders with an eight-wicket win on Sunday. Opting to bowl first, Washington managed to bundle out Los Angeles for 129, with Saurabh Netravalkar and Glenn Maxwell taking four and three wickets respectively. Washington’s openers Travis Head (54) and Steve Smith (42*) then chased down the target in just 16 overs, forming a strong 79-run partnership. In a peculiar incident during the match, all-rounder Andre Russell broke Head’s bat with a fiery delivery in the second over of Washington’s chase.
The incident became viral on social media as Head’s reaction to the broken bat garnered attention. In terms of gameplay, Washington dominated the run chase from the start, with Head and Smith providing an explosive powerplay. By the end of six overs, Washington was comfortably ahead at 61/0. Head reached his half-century in just 27 balls, hitting six maximums. However, Shadley Van Schalkwyk broke the partnership by dismissing Head in the ninth over.
Rachin Ravindra and Steven Smith then added 29 runs together, with Smith guiding the team to a successful finish at 130/2 in 16 overs. Earlier in the match, Washington’s bowlers Saurabh Netravalkar (4/35) and Glen Maxwell (3/15) played a crucial role in restricting Los Angeles to 129.
Next, Washington will face off against MI New York in their upcoming MLC match, while Los Angeles will take on Seattle Orcas.
(With IANS Inputs)
@Cricbun
