By Tim Douglas 
From Collapse to Champions: MI New York’s Sensational MLC 2025 Triumph
In a season where few gave them a chance, MI New York (MINY) scripted a comeback for the ages, defeating Washington Freedom by five runs in a pulsating MLC 2025 final at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas. After losing six of their first seven matches, MINY lifted the title by holding their nerve in a dramatic finish.
Quinton de Kock Leads the Charge
Batting first, MI New York were anchored by a sublime 77 off 46 balls from Quinton de Kock, who played with both flair and finesse. He laid the foundation with a 72-run opening stand alongside Monank Patel (28). Nicholas Pooran chipped in with a composed knock, sharing a 56-run partnership with de Kock to keep the innings ticking.
Despite a mid-innings wobble triggered by Lockie Ferguson — who finished with 3 for 24, including key scalps of de Kock and Kieron Pollard — MI New York rallied in the death overs. A crucial cameo from Kunwarjeet Singh (22 off 13)* pushed the total to a competitive 180/7.
Boult Strikes Early, Ravindra Fights Back
Washington Freedom’s chase began disastrously. Trent Boult ripped through their top order with two wickets in the first over, reducing them to 0/2. But Rachin Ravindra (70 off 41), in sublime form, teamed up with Jack Edwards (33) to rebuild.
Ravindra’s counterattack kept the chase alive, even as wickets fell around him. His dismissal in the 16th over to the young Rushil Ugarkar was a turning point, though Glenn Phillips (48)* threatened with two massive sixes in the 18th over.
Final Over Drama
With 12 required off the final over and Glenn Maxwell and Phillips at the crease, the game hung in the balance. But 22-year-old Rushil Ugarkar showed remarkable composure. He conceded only seven runs and dismissed Maxwell, sealing the title in stunning fashion.
A Season to Remember
From near elimination to MLC 2025 champions, MI New York’s journey is one of belief, resilience, and execution under pressure. Their rise will go down as one of T20 franchise cricket’s most inspiring stories, driven by de Kock’s brilliance, Boult’s experience, and the emergence of Ugarkar under the spotlight.
Brief Scores:
MI New York 180/7 (Quinton de Kock 77, Lockie Ferguson 3-24)
Washington Freedom 175/5 (Rachin Ravindra 70, Trent Boult 2-32, Rushil Ugarkar 2-32)
Result: MI New York won by 5 runs.
Zainab Shafiq