MLC 2026: LA Knight Riders clinch maiden title with thrilling one-run win over Washington Freedom | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: The Los Angeles Knight Riders held their nerve with a thrilling finish to defeat the Washington Freedom by one run and clinch their Major League Cricket (MLC) title at the Oakland Coliseum in California, California on Saturday.Needing 14 runs from the final over, Washington looked favorites after Obus Pienaar hit the first ball for a six. But Shadley van Schalkwyk took three wickets in the last five deliveries, including a run-out off the last ball, to spark wild celebrations as the Knight Riders became the latest MLC champions. MI New York won the inaugural title in 2023 and again in 2025, while Washington Freedom lifted the trophy in 2024.
The Knight Riders post 164
The Washington Freedom won the toss and elected to bowl. Batting first, Los Angeles were bowled out for 164 in 19.4 overs.Andre Fletcher gave the innings early momentum with 47 off 27 balls, while Colin Munro made 40 off 29. After Andre Russell fell for a duck, Matthew Tromp played a crucial knock of 39 off 21 deliveries, hitting three fours and three sixes.Washington continued to fight for wickets at regular intervals. Ben Dwarshuis was the pick of the bowlers with 3/31, while Rachin Ravindra (2/23), Nikhil Chaudhary (2/32) and Mitchell Owen (2/14) beat the Knight Riders.
Narine and Holder put LAKR in command
Washington Freedom never found the early momentum in the chase as Sunil Narine tore through the top order. The left-arm spinner dismissed Mitchell Owen (9), Steven Smith (8) and Rachin Ravindra (7) to finish with impressive figures of 3/13.Captain Jason Holder then struck three crucial blows, dismissing Andries Gous (40), Nikhil Chaudhary (25) and Ben Dwarshuis (1), ending on 3/31.At 109/6 in the 16th over, the Knight Riders looked firmly in control.
Pienaar almost stole the title
Pienaar launched a blistering attack, smashing 53 off just 24 balls, including three fours and five sixes, to drag Washington Freedom back into contention. His half-century left Washington needing 14 runs from the end, making for a dramatic finish.
Shadley delivers under pressure
The end is in everyone. Pienaar started with a six over cover to bring the equation down to eight required from five balls.Van Schalkwyk then responded with a perfect yorker that landed on Pienaar’s stumps, dismissing the set batter at the most crucial moment.On the next ball, Ian Holland tried to clear the infield but only managed to find Jason Holder at long-on, leaving Washington scrambling.Lockie Ferguson kept the chase alive with a boundary before taking one, leaving Lahiru Milantha needing three runs off the last ball.Milantha completed the first run but was run out while attempting the second as wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton completed the dismissal, sealing a dramatic victory for the Knight Riders.
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