Washington Freedom Snatch Last-Gasp Win, Edge Closer to MLC 2025 Playoffs

The Washington Freedom pulled off a nail-biting five-wicket win against the LA Knight Riders in Dallas, successfully chasing down a target of 214 on the very last ball of the match. This victory significantly enhances their chances of qualifying for the playoffs in MLC 2025.

The dynamic partnership of Glenn Phillips and Obus Pienaar steered the Freedom to victory in a dramatic finale. Jason Holder's dropped catch at mid-on on the final delivery proved costly, denying the Knight Riders a hard-fought win.

Earlier, the Knight Riders set a challenging target, posting 213/4 in their allotted 20 overs. Andre Fletcher's explosive century was the centerpiece of their innings.

Fletcher, replacing Alex Hales in the lineup, smashed 104 runs off just 60 deliveries, including seven boundaries and six towering sixes.

Fletcher and Unmukt Chand forged a formidable opening partnership, adding 130 runs in just 74 balls, setting the stage for a substantial total. Chand contributed a solid 41 runs off 30 balls.

The Knight Riders maintained their scoring momentum thanks to rapid contributions from Sherfane Rutherford (20 off 11), Jason Holder (11 off 6), and Andre Russell (30 not out off 13). The team plundered 59 runs in the final five overs, with Fletcher strategically retired out with two overs remaining.

The Freedom's chase commenced aggressively, spearheaded by Mitchell Owen. Owen blazed his way to 43 runs off a mere 16 balls, hitting multiple boundaries off Ali Khan and Holder, propelling the team to 73/1 during the powerplay.

In the middle overs, Glenn Maxwell (42 off 23) and Andreas Gous kept the Washington Freedom ahead of the required run rate. However, the Knight Riders fought back, with Holder and Tanveer Sangha claiming crucial wickets, applying pressure on the batting side.

Phillips and Pienaar then joined forces with the Freedom needing 60 runs from the final six overs. The duo expertly managed the chase, taking calculated risks and keeping the required scoring rate in check.

The match culminated in a thrilling final over with the Freedom needing seven runs. Russell bowled impressively, but the game went down to the wire.

In a dramatic conclusion, Holder failed to hold onto a catch at mid-on off the final delivery, allowing Phillips and Pienaar to scramble the winning run. This victory propelled the Freedom to second place in the standings, surpassing the Texas Super Kings.

Key Highlights:

• Andre Fletcher's blistering century for LA Knight Riders
• Mitchell Owen's explosive start to the Freedom's chase
• Glenn Phillips and Obus Pienaar's match-winning partnership
• Jason Holder's dropped catch on the final ball

Brief Scores:

LA Knight Riders 213/4 in 20 overs (Andre Fletcher 104, Unmukt Chand 41; Ian Holland 2-25) lost to Washington Freedom 214/5 in 20 overs (Mitchell Owen 43, Glenn Maxwell 42, Glenn Phillips 33*; Tanveer Sangha 2-35) by 5 wickets